Michael Jordan said Friday he is making a record $100 million donation to groups fighting for racial equality and social justice amid a wave of protests across the United States.

The NBA legend said in a statement his Jordan Brand would distribute the money over 10 years to different organisations in a bid to stamp out "ingrained racism."

The pledge is believed to be the largest financial contribution to non-profit groups ever made by a figure from the sports world.

"It's 2020 and our family now includes anyone who aspires to our way of life," a joint statement from Jordan and his Jordan Brand said.&nbsp;

"Yet as much as things have changed the worst remains the same.

"Black lives matter. This isn't a controversial statement. Until the ingrained racism that allows our country's institutions to fail is completely eradicated, we will remain committed to protecting and improving the lives of Black people," the statement added.

"Today we are announcing that Michael Jordan and Jordan Brand will be donating $100 million over the next 10 years to organisations dedicated to ensuring racial equality, social justice and greater access to education."

Jordan's donation comes after a week of unprecedented nationwide protests across the United States following the death of an unarmed black man during an arrest in Minneapolis.

Large scale demonstrations have been held in all 50 states, with protesters demanding an end to police brutality and systemic racism after George Floyd's death on May 25.

<h2>- 'Saddened, angry' -</h2>

Jordan, regarded by many as the greatest player in NBA history with an estimated net worth of $2.1 billion, had already issued a passionate statement decrying Floyd's killing.

"I am deeply saddened, truly pained and plain angry," Jordan, 57, said last Sunday. "We have had enough."

Jordan's donation and impassioned recent statements followed criticism during his playing career over his reluctance to take a more prominent role in activist causes.

In the recent "The Last Dance" documentary, he addressed his infamous quip that he had steered clear of politics because "Republicans buy sneakers too."

Jordan said the remark had been a flippant comment made as a joke.

Jordan added that he never saw himself as an activist athlete in the vein of former heavyweight boxing champion Muhammad Ali.

"I do commend Muhammad Ali for standing up for what he believed in," Jordan said. "But I never thought of myself as an activist. I thought of myself as a basketball player."

Jordan acknowledged that his apolitical stance might be viewed as selfish in some quarters.

"I wasn't a politician when I was playing my sport. I was focused on my craft," Jordan said. "Was that selfish? Probably. But that was my energy. That's where my energy was."

Jordan said he had instead sought to set an example by his achievements as an athlete.

"The way I go about my life is I set examples. If it inspires you? Great, I will continue to do that. If it doesn't? Then maybe I'm not the person you should be following."

Michael Jordan said Friday he is making a record $100 million donation to groups fighting for racial equality and social justice amid a wave of protests across the United States.

Michael Jordan said Friday he is making a record $100 million donation to groups fighting for racial equality and social justice amid a wave of protests across the United States. The NBA legend said in a statement his Jordan Brand would distribute the money over 10 years to different organisations in a bid to stamp out "ingrained racism." The pledge is believed to be the largest financial contribution to non-profit groups ever made by a figure from the sports world. "It's 2020 and our family now includes anyone who aspires to our way of life," a joint statement from Jordan and his Jordan Brand said. "Yet as much as things have changed the worst remains the same. "Black lives matter. This isn't a controversial statement. Until the ingrained racism that allows our country's institutions to fail is completely eradicated, we will remain committed to protecting and improving the lives of Black people," the statement added. "Today we are announcing that Michael Jordan and Jordan Brand will be donating $100 million over the next 10 years to organisations dedicated to ensuring racial equality, social justice and greater access to education." Jordan's donation comes after a week of unprecedented nationwide protests across the United States following the death of an unarmed black man during an arrest in Minneapolis. Large scale demonstrations have been held in all 50 states, with protesters demanding an end to police brutality and systemic racism after George Floyd's death on May 25. - 'Saddened, angry' - Jordan, regarded by many as the greatest player in NBA history with an estimated net worth of $2.1 billion, had already issued a passionate statement decrying Floyd's killing. "I am deeply saddened, truly pained and plain angry," Jordan, 57, said last Sunday. "We have had enough." Jordan's donation and impassioned recent statements followed criticism during his playing career over his reluctance to take a more prominent role in activist causes. In the recent "The Last Dance" documentary, he addressed his infamous quip that he had steered clear of politics because "Republicans buy sneakers too." Jordan said the remark had been a flippant comment made as a joke. Jordan added that he never saw himself as an activist athlete in the vein of former heavyweight boxing champion Muhammad Ali. "I do commend Muhammad Ali for standing up for what he believed in," Jordan said. "But I never thought of myself as an activist. I thought of myself as a basketball player." Jordan acknowledged that his apolitical stance might be viewed as selfish in some quarters. "I wasn't a politician when I was playing my sport. I was focused on my craft," Jordan said. "Was that selfish? Probably. But that was my energy. That's where my energy was." Jordan said he had instead sought to set an example by his achievements as an athlete. "The way I go about my life is I set examples. If it inspires you? Great, I will continue to do that. If it doesn't? Then maybe I'm not the person you should be following."

NBA legend Jordan donating $100 million to social justice groups

Barcelona and Real Madrid resume one of the tightest title races in recent memory when La Liga kicks back into action this week in empty stadiums, after a three-month pause due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Just before the season was postponed on March 10, former Real great Jorge Valdano had likened the two teams’ inconsistent form to a race between two limping men, but both sides are set to be refreshed and stronger after the long break.

Barca are boosted by the return of Luis Suarez from a knee injury that looked set to rule him out for the season, and his aggression and power should help them ease their problems in breaking down sides.

Real will again enjoy the services of Eden Hazard after he was sidelined with a fractured ankle in February. Also back is Spain forward Marcos Asensio, who should ease the burden on Karim Benzema, their runaway leading scorer with 14 strikes.

Barca, targeting a third consecutive Spanish title, led Real by two points when the season was postponed.

The break has also given their ageing squad some much-needed rest, while the extra time on the training ground should help them further adapt to the ideas of coach Quique Setien, who succeeded Ernesto Valverde in January.

With no fans allowed into venues and Real playing their home games at the 6,000-capacity Alfredo Di Stefano stadium while the Santiago Bernabeu is being refurbished, it will be a title race unlike any other.

“We will miss that boost and support you get from the crowd, who have a huge influence,” said Setien.

Barca have a slightly more comfortable run-in in their remaining 11 fixtures in the space of five weeks, with home games against Athletic Bilbao and Atletico Madrid plus trips to Sevilla and Villarreal looking like their toughest games.

Real, who beat Barca in March only to blow their lead at the top by losing to Real Betis, have five potentially tricky fixtures: Valencia, Getafe and Villarreal at home, plus trips to Real Sociedad and Athletic Bilbao.

Barcelona and Real Madrid resume one of the tightest title races in recent memory when La Liga kicks back into action this week in empty stadiums, after a three-month pause due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Barcelona and Real Madrid resume one of the tightest title races in recent memory when La Liga kicks back into action this week in empty stadiums, after a three-month pause due to the coronavirus pandemic. Just before the season was postponed on March 10, former Real great Jorge Valdano had likened the two teams’ inconsistent form to a race between two limping men, but both sides are set to be refreshed and stronger after the long break. Barca are boosted by the return of Luis Suarez from a knee injury that looked set to rule him out for the season, and his aggression and power should help them ease their problems in breaking down sides. Real will again enjoy the services of Eden Hazard after he was sidelined with a fractured ankle in February. Also back is Spain forward Marcos Asensio, who should ease the burden on Karim Benzema, their runaway leading scorer with 14 strikes. Barca, targeting a third consecutive Spanish title, led Real by two points when the season was postponed. The break has also given their ageing squad some much-needed rest, while the extra time on the training ground should help them further adapt to the ideas of coach Quique Setien, who succeeded Ernesto Valverde in January. With no fans allowed into venues and Real playing their home games at the 6,000-capacity Alfredo Di Stefano stadium while the Santiago Bernabeu is being refurbished, it will be a title race unlike any other. “We will miss that boost and support you get from the crowd, who have a huge influence,” said Setien. Barca have a slightly more comfortable run-in in their remaining 11 fixtures in the space of five weeks, with home games against Athletic Bilbao and Atletico Madrid plus trips to Sevilla and Villarreal looking like their toughest games. Real, who beat Barca in March only to blow their lead at the top by losing to Real Betis, have five potentially tricky fixtures: Valencia, Getafe and Villarreal at home, plus trips to Real Sociedad and Athletic Bilbao.

Barcelona and Real Madrid renew close-run title race

Former Manchester United defender Tony Dunne, who played in their first European Cup-winning side in 1968, has died at the age of 78.

The Ireland left-back was part of the team that defeated Benfica 4-1 at Wembley in the 1968 final alongside George Best and Bobby Charlton, and under the great United manager Matt Busby.

Dunne was signed by Busby for £5,000 ($6,400, 5,600 euros) in 1960 and spent 13 years at Old Trafford, also winning two First Division championships, in 1964-65 and 1966-67, and the 1962-63 FA Cup. He scored only two goals.

Manchester United announced Dunne's death on Twitter late on Monday night.

"One of our greatest-ever full-backs," the post began.&nbsp;

"An integral part of the 1968 European Cup-winning side. A player who made 535 appearances in the red shirt of Manchester United. Our heartfelt condolences go to the loved ones of Tony Dunne. May he rest in peace."

Dublin club Shelbourne, where Dunne started his career, also tweeted their condolences.

"Shelbourne FC is saddened to send our condolences to the family and friends of former FAI Cup winning Shels player Tony Dunne after his passing. Tony had a glittering career. RIP Tony."

Dunne, who won 33 caps for the Republic of Ireland, left Old Trafford on a free transfer in 1973 to join Bolton. He ended his playing career with 12 appearances for Detroit Express in North American Soccer League in 1979.

Bolton, with whom Dunne won the Second Division title, said they were "saddened to learn" of his passing.

Only seven players have made more appearances for United than Dunne's 535 -- Ryan Giggs, Bobby Charlton, Paul Scholes, Bill Foulkes, Gary Neville, Wayne Rooney and Alex Stepney.

Former Manchester United defender Tony Dunne, who played in their first European Cup-winning side in 1968, has died at the age of 78. The Ireland left-back was part of the team that defeated Benfica 4-1 at Wembley in the 1968 final alongside George Best and Bobby Charlton, and under the great United manager Matt Busby.

Former Manchester United defender Tony Dunne, who played in their first European Cup-winning side in 1968, has died at the age of 78. The Ireland left-back was part of the team that defeated Benfica 4-1 at Wembley in the 1968 final alongside George Best and Bobby Charlton, and under the great United manager Matt Busby. Dunne was signed by Busby for £5,000 ($6,400, 5,600 euros) in 1960 and spent 13 years at Old Trafford, also winning two First Division championships, in 1964-65 and 1966-67, and the 1962-63 FA Cup. He scored only two goals. Manchester United announced Dunne's death on Twitter late on Monday night. "One of our greatest-ever full-backs," the post began. "An integral part of the 1968 European Cup-winning side. A player who made 535 appearances in the red shirt of Manchester United. Our heartfelt condolences go to the loved ones of Tony Dunne. May he rest in peace." Dublin club Shelbourne, where Dunne started his career, also tweeted their condolences. "Shelbourne FC is saddened to send our condolences to the family and friends of former FAI Cup winning Shels player Tony Dunne after his passing. Tony had a glittering career. RIP Tony." Dunne, who won 33 caps for the Republic of Ireland, left Old Trafford on a free transfer in 1973 to join Bolton. He ended his playing career with 12 appearances for Detroit Express in North American Soccer League in 1979. Bolton, with whom Dunne won the Second Division title, said they were "saddened to learn" of his passing. Only seven players have made more appearances for United than Dunne's 535 -- Ryan Giggs, Bobby Charlton, Paul Scholes, Bill Foulkes, Gary Neville, Wayne Rooney and Alex Stepney.

Manchester United legend Dunne dies aged 78

The United States Soccer Federation is considering scrapping a rule which bans players from kneeling during the national anthem, officials confirmed on Monday, as the US women's team criticised the body for implementing the policy in the first place.

USSF president Cindy Parlow Cone called for the policy to be discussed at a board meeting due to take place on Tuesday, ESPN reported on its website.

A USSF spokesperson later confirmed the federation was considering repealing the policy.

In a controversial move, US Soccer introduced a rule in 2017 which formally states that players must "stand respectfully" during the national anthem.

It came after US women's team star Megan Rapinoe kneeled during the anthem at an international in 2016.

Rapinoe took a knee in solidarity with former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick.

The US women's soccer team called on the USSF to "immediately repeal" the policy and to "apologize" to their black players.

"We believe that the Federation should immediately repeal the 'Anthem Policy', publish a statement acknowledging the policy was wrong when it was adopted, and issue an apology to our black players and supporters," the United States Women's National Team Players Association said in a statement on Monday.

"Further, we believe the Federation should lay out its plans on how it will now support the message and movement it tried to silence four years ago."

Kaepernick had begun kneeling during the anthem in August 2016 in order to draw attention to racial injustice following the deaths of several unarmed black men during confrontations with police.

Kaepernick's kneeling protest has become an emblematic expression of solidarity adopted during the recent demonstrations across the United States and around the world since the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis on May 25.

Protesters and police officers have all taken a knee during the protests while sports stars in Germany's Bundesliga have all kneeled before recent matches.

Players from English Premier League giants Liverpool also knelt in a photo distributed through the club's social media channels last week.

ESPN said if US Soccer's board votes to repeal the policy, it would take effect immediately but would still need to be voted on at the federation's annual meeting next year.

The United States Soccer Federation is considering scrapping a rule which bans players from kneeling during the national anthem, officials confirmed on Monday, as the US women's team criticised the body for implementing the policy in the first place.

The United States Soccer Federation is considering scrapping a rule which bans players from kneeling during the national anthem, officials confirmed on Monday, as the US women's team criticised the body for implementing the policy in the first place. USSF president Cindy Parlow Cone called for the policy to be discussed at a board meeting due to take place on Tuesday, ESPN reported on its website. A USSF spokesperson later confirmed the federation was considering repealing the policy. In a controversial move, US Soccer introduced a rule in 2017 which formally states that players must "stand respectfully" during the national anthem. It came after US women's team star Megan Rapinoe kneeled during the anthem at an international in 2016. Rapinoe took a knee in solidarity with former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick. The US women's soccer team called on the USSF to "immediately repeal" the policy and to "apologize" to their black players. "We believe that the Federation should immediately repeal the 'Anthem Policy', publish a statement acknowledging the policy was wrong when it was adopted, and issue an apology to our black players and supporters," the United States Women's National Team Players Association said in a statement on Monday. "Further, we believe the Federation should lay out its plans on how it will now support the message and movement it tried to silence four years ago." Kaepernick had begun kneeling during the anthem in August 2016 in order to draw attention to racial injustice following the deaths of several unarmed black men during confrontations with police. Kaepernick's kneeling protest has become an emblematic expression of solidarity adopted during the recent demonstrations across the United States and around the world since the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis on May 25. Protesters and police officers have all taken a knee during the protests while sports stars in Germany's Bundesliga have all kneeled before recent matches. Players from English Premier League giants Liverpool also knelt in a photo distributed through the club's social media channels last week. ESPN said if US Soccer's board votes to repeal the policy, it would take effect immediately but would still need to be voted on at the federation's annual meeting next year.

US Soccer to review 'no kneeling' anthem policy

Former Pakistan captain Younis Khan&nbsp;was named as batting coach for the upcoming tour of England on Tuesday as international cricket slowly returns after the coronavirus shutdown.

Younis, 42, is Pakistan's highest run-scorer in Tests with 10,099 runs in 118 matches in a career that stretched from 2000 to 2017.

Pakistan will also have the services of former spinner Mushtaq Ahmed as spin bowling coach to assist head coach Misbah-ul-Haq during the tour, where they are set to play three Tests and an equal number of Twenty20 internationals.

The national squad will likely kick off training in Lahore before departing for England in early July where they will be held in quarantine for two weeks.

Pakistan are set to play the first of three Tests in Manchester from August 5 while the remaining two Tests will be in Southampton (August 13-17 and 21-25).

The three Twenty20 internationals will all be played in Southampton on August 28, 30 and September 1.

International cricket, halted like other sports because of the coronavirus pandemic, is finally coming back to life with the West Indies arriving in England on Tuesday for a rescheduled, three-Test tour.&nbsp;

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said the two appointments were made to help Misbah and bowling coach Waqar Younis.

"The appointments have been made to provide head coach Misbah and fast bowling coach Waqar the necessary and essential resources that can help them further uplift the performance of the side," said the PCB in a statement.

Pakistan are currently seventh in the Test rankings but they have enjoyed strong tours in England in recent years, drawing 2-2 in 2016 and 1-1 in 2018.

"I am delighted that Younis has agreed to join the Pakistan cricket set-up and his work ethic, commitment to match preparation, game awareness and tactics in the English conditions will be invaluable," said PCB chief executive Wasim Khan.

Younis said he plans to draw on his experience to help shepherd the team during the tour.

"We all know English conditions demand not only precise technique but patience and discipline, and if you can master these, then you will not only excel in England but anywhere in the world," said Younis.

Former Pakistan captain Younis Khan was named as batting coach for the upcoming tour of England on Tuesday as international cricket slowly returns after the coronavirus shutdown.

Former Pakistan captain Younis Khan was named as batting coach for the upcoming tour of England on Tuesday as international cricket slowly returns after the coronavirus shutdown. Younis, 42, is Pakistan's highest run-scorer in Tests with 10,099 runs in 118 matches in a career that stretched from 2000 to 2017. Pakistan will also have the services of former spinner Mushtaq Ahmed as spin bowling coach to assist head coach Misbah-ul-Haq during the tour, where they are set to play three Tests and an equal number of Twenty20 internationals. The national squad will likely kick off training in Lahore before departing for England in early July where they will be held in quarantine for two weeks. Pakistan are set to play the first of three Tests in Manchester from August 5 while the remaining two Tests will be in Southampton (August 13-17 and 21-25). The three Twenty20 internationals will all be played in Southampton on August 28, 30 and September 1. International cricket, halted like other sports because of the coronavirus pandemic, is finally coming back to life with the West Indies arriving in England on Tuesday for a rescheduled, three-Test tour. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said the two appointments were made to help Misbah and bowling coach Waqar Younis. "The appointments have been made to provide head coach Misbah and fast bowling coach Waqar the necessary and essential resources that can help them further uplift the performance of the side," said the PCB in a statement. Pakistan are currently seventh in the Test rankings but they have enjoyed strong tours in England in recent years, drawing 2-2 in 2016 and 1-1 in 2018. "I am delighted that Younis has agreed to join the Pakistan cricket set-up and his work ethic, commitment to match preparation, game awareness and tactics in the English conditions will be invaluable," said PCB chief executive Wasim Khan. Younis said he plans to draw on his experience to help shepherd the team during the tour. "We all know English conditions demand not only precise technique but patience and discipline, and if you can master these, then you will not only excel in England but anywhere in the world," said Younis.

Ex-captain Younis Khan named Pakistan batting coach for England tour

Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar wants the introduction of the second new ball in Test cricket after every “50 or 55” overs to help pacers on flat pitches as ICC on Wednesday banned the usage of saliva on interim basis, piling more pressure on pacers.&nbsp;

During an interaction with former Australia pacer Brett Lee on Tendulkar’s 100 MB app, the Master Blaster said that using only sweat could pose major challenges for bowler and fielding team and why the usage of saliva was important to shine the ball.

"In Test cricket, suddenly if the surfaces are not good, the standard of playing I feel drops down. And above all the game slows down because, the batters know if I don't play a stupid shot here, no one can get me out and the bowler knows, on this surface I have to be patient," Tendulkar said.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/from-ban-on-saliva-to-covid-19-substution-icc-approves-interim-regulation-changes-as-international-cricket-gears-up-for-resumption-304591" hreflang="en">From ban on saliva to COVID-19 substution: ICC approves interim regulation changes as international cricket gears up for resumption</a>

"But why not then to get the game moving, have a new ball after every 45-50 or 55 overs because in ODI cricket we have to play only 50 overs, and you have two new balls there, so literally 25 overs, so that's it," said Tendulkar.

Tendulkar said in a cooler climate, players don’t sweat much and it could become a headache for teams when the ball gets old. He compared it with day-night matches in the limited-overs format.&nbsp;

"So here in Test cricket, if you are not going to allow saliva, and sometimes you won't sweat as much depending on the climate where you are playing, it could be a lot like day/night one-dayers," the maestro said.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/from-confidentiality-issue-to-fate-of-t20-world-cup-what-to-expect-from-the-crucial-icc-board-meeting-304574" hreflang="en">From confidentiality issue to fate of T20 World Cup: What to expect from the crucial ICC Board meeting</a>

"In ODI cricket, bowling when conditions are dry in a day-night match and bowling second when there is a lot of dew on the ground, so on paper the conditions and rules are exactly the same, but on the field, conditions are totally different, it's chalk and cheese," he said.

Apart from the ban on saliva, the ICC also approved COVID-19 substitutions while scrapping the neutral umpires rule for the time being. 
&nbsp;

Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar wants the introduction of the second new ball in Test cricket after every “50 or 55” overs to help pacers on flat pitches as ICC on Wednesday banned the usage of saliva on interim basis, piling more pressure on pacers.

Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar wants the introduction of the second new ball in Test cricket after every “50 or 55” overs to help pacers on flat pitches as ICC on Wednesday banned the usage of saliva on interim basis, piling more pressure on pacers. During an interaction with former Australia pacer Brett Lee on Tendulkar’s 100 MB app, the Master Blaster said that using only sweat could pose major challenges for bowler and fielding team and why the usage of saliva was important to shine the ball. "In Test cricket, suddenly if the surfaces are not good, the standard of playing I feel drops down. And above all the game slows down because, the batters know if I don't play a stupid shot here, no one can get me out and the bowler knows, on this surface I have to be patient," Tendulkar said. ALSO READ: From ban on saliva to COVID-19 substution: ICC approves interim regulation changes as international cricket gears up for resumption "But why not then to get the game moving, have a new ball after every 45-50 or 55 overs because in ODI cricket we have to play only 50 overs, and you have two new balls there, so literally 25 overs, so that's it," said Tendulkar. Tendulkar said in a cooler climate, players don’t sweat much and it could become a headache for teams when the ball gets old. He compared it with day-night matches in the limited-overs format. "So here in Test cricket, if you are not going to allow saliva, and sometimes you won't sweat as much depending on the climate where you are playing, it could be a lot like day/night one-dayers," the maestro said. ALSO READ: From confidentiality issue to fate of T20 World Cup: What to expect from the crucial ICC Board meeting "In ODI cricket, bowling when conditions are dry in a day-night match and bowling second when there is a lot of dew on the ground, so on paper the conditions and rules are exactly the same, but on the field, conditions are totally different, it's chalk and cheese," he said. Apart from the ban on saliva, the ICC also approved COVID-19 substitutions while scrapping the neutral umpires rule for the time being.

Sachin Tendulkar: With no saliva, why not introduce second new ball after 50-55 overs

Narinder Batra on Tuesday denied flouting any rules while becoming President of the Indian Olympic Association and the International Hockey Federation as he reached out to IOC chief Thomas Bach to reject allegations of irregularity from within the IOA.

Two and a half years after Batra's election as IOA chief, one of its vice presidents, Sudhanshu Mittal, has questioned his taking up the top job, saying he was not even eligible to contest the polls under the then constitution.

Mittal, in a letter to the FIH, has alleged that "a major cover up" was done to allow Batra to contest the election for the top sports job of the country. Batra offered a rebuttal in a communication to Bach.

"I would personally like to assure you that I have at no stage flouted any of the Rules and Regulations of the Indian Olympic Association or the International Hockey Federation in my election as President of the Indian Olympic Association which was held on 14 December 2017," Batra wrote.

"It is disappointing that Mr Mittal, who himself was elected as Vice President of the Indian Olympic Association in the same elections, is now trying to damage my image and reputation as a means to project himself as he intends to stand as a candidate for the post of President in the 2021 Indian Olympic Association elections."

Mittal's allegations on the "illegality" of Batra's election have emerged amid a feud among the top brass of the IOA. He had earlier written to the International Olympic Committee, claiming that Batra was "illegally" elected as IOA president. 
Mittal's allegation is that the IOA constitution of 2013, as approved by the IOC, provided that the presidential candidate will have to be a member of the preceding executive council and Batra was not at that time.

He alleged that constitution's interpretation was changed to membership of two preceding executive councils instead of only the last council in a Special General Body Meeting held on November 29, 2017.

In his message to Bach, Batra, an IOC member from India, accused Mittal of damaging his reputation, and claimed that a conflict of interest case can't be made out following his election to the post of FIH chief.

"...The e-mail of Mr Mittal is self motivated and clearly his intent is to malign my reputation ahead of the Indian Olympic Association elections scheduled for 2021.

"...The above Article 7.2 is in the FIH Statutes with effect from 3 November 2018. My election to the post of the Indian Olympic Association was on 14 December 2017 and as such this Article was not applicable at the time of my IOA elections," he claimed.

"To ensure there was no conflict of interest in my election as President, International Hockey Federation, I resigned from the post of President, Hockey India on 25 November 2016."

Batra, who is currently under quarantine after seven people, including helpers, tested positive at his home, hoped that the IOC chief will take his clarifications "on record", and promised to send a detailed reply once he resumes office.

Narinder Batra on Tuesday denied flouting any rules while becoming President of the Indian Olympic Association and the International Hockey Federation as he reached out to IOC chief Thomas Bach to reject allegations of irregularity from within the IOA.

Narinder Batra on Tuesday denied flouting any rules while becoming President of the Indian Olympic Association and the International Hockey Federation as he reached out to IOC chief Thomas Bach to reject allegations of irregularity from within the IOA. Two and a half years after Batra's election as IOA chief, one of its vice presidents, Sudhanshu Mittal, has questioned his taking up the top job, saying he was not even eligible to contest the polls under the then constitution. Mittal, in a letter to the FIH, has alleged that "a major cover up" was done to allow Batra to contest the election for the top sports job of the country. Batra offered a rebuttal in a communication to Bach. "I would personally like to assure you that I have at no stage flouted any of the Rules and Regulations of the Indian Olympic Association or the International Hockey Federation in my election as President of the Indian Olympic Association which was held on 14 December 2017," Batra wrote. "It is disappointing that Mr Mittal, who himself was elected as Vice President of the Indian Olympic Association in the same elections, is now trying to damage my image and reputation as a means to project himself as he intends to stand as a candidate for the post of President in the 2021 Indian Olympic Association elections." Mittal's allegations on the "illegality" of Batra's election have emerged amid a feud among the top brass of the IOA. He had earlier written to the International Olympic Committee, claiming that Batra was "illegally" elected as IOA president. Mittal's allegation is that the IOA constitution of 2013, as approved by the IOC, provided that the presidential candidate will have to be a member of the preceding executive council and Batra was not at that time. He alleged that constitution's interpretation was changed to membership of two preceding executive councils instead of only the last council in a Special General Body Meeting held on November 29, 2017. In his message to Bach, Batra, an IOC member from India, accused Mittal of damaging his reputation, and claimed that a conflict of interest case can't be made out following his election to the post of FIH chief. "...The e-mail of Mr Mittal is self motivated and clearly his intent is to malign my reputation ahead of the Indian Olympic Association elections scheduled for 2021. "...The above Article 7.2 is in the FIH Statutes with effect from 3 November 2018. My election to the post of the Indian Olympic Association was on 14 December 2017 and as such this Article was not applicable at the time of my IOA elections," he claimed. "To ensure there was no conflict of interest in my election as President, International Hockey Federation, I resigned from the post of President, Hockey India on 25 November 2016." Batra, who is currently under quarantine after seven people, including helpers, tested positive at his home, hoped that the IOC chief will take his clarifications "on record", and promised to send a detailed reply once he resumes office.

Batra writes to Bach on allegations of electoral irregularity, assures him of being on right side

The all-important meeting of the International Cricket Council (ICC) is set to be held on Wednesday with the Board members expected to discuss some key points including the fate of the T20 World Cup 2020, scheduled to be hosted by Australia in October-November.&nbsp;

The last time, ICC Board members met, via video-conference, it declared the ICC Ethics Officers will conduct an independent investigation surrounding “confidentiality” and submit the report by June 10. An update regarding the matter is likely to be provided following the crucial meeting.&nbsp;

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The ICC is also expected to discuss the scheduling of international bilateral calendar. The Future Tours Programme (FTP) will be discussed as every cricket board look to improve their financial condition.

The revenue stream has been disrupted by the prolonged break and how to resume the flow will also be on agenda on Wednesday.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sourav-ganguly-jay-shah-attend-acc-board-meeting-as-decision-on-asia-cup-2020-deferred-304517" hreflang="en">Sourav Ganguly, Jay Shah attend ACC Board meeting as decision on Asia Cup 2020 deferred</a>

A decision on T20 World Cup is inevitable, expected to be on the lines of postponement. While Australian Sports Minister Richard Colbeck sounded optimistic of hosting the T20 World Cup, the travel and safety of all 16 teams could be a major issue. The decision on the showpiece event will also impact the fate of IPL 2020.&nbsp;

The tax exemption issue between ICC and BCCI will also be discussed in the Wednesday meeting. Whereas, ICC election procedure will also be finalised for the ICC chairman and the nomination recommendation will also be presented to the ICC Board.

The all-important meeting of the International Cricket Council (ICC) is set to be held on Wednesday with the Board members expected to discuss some key points including the fate of the T20 World Cup 2020, scheduled to be hosted by Australia in October-November.

The all-important meeting of the International Cricket Council (ICC) is set to be held on Wednesday with the Board members expected to discuss some key points including the fate of the T20 World Cup 2020, scheduled to be hosted by Australia in October-November. The last time, ICC Board members met, via video-conference, it declared the ICC Ethics Officers will conduct an independent investigation surrounding “confidentiality” and submit the report by June 10. An update regarding the matter is likely to be provided following the crucial meeting. ALSO READ: Daren Sammy alleges racism within Sunrisers Hyderabad camp; netizens dig out Ishant Sharma's old Instagram caption The ICC is also expected to discuss the scheduling of international bilateral calendar. The Future Tours Programme (FTP) will be discussed as every cricket board look to improve their financial condition. The revenue stream has been disrupted by the prolonged break and how to resume the flow will also be on agenda on Wednesday. ALSO READ: Sourav Ganguly, Jay Shah attend ACC Board meeting as decision on Asia Cup 2020 deferred A decision on T20 World Cup is inevitable, expected to be on the lines of postponement. While Australian Sports Minister Richard Colbeck sounded optimistic of hosting the T20 World Cup, the travel and safety of all 16 teams could be a major issue. The decision on the showpiece event will also impact the fate of IPL 2020. The tax exemption issue between ICC and BCCI will also be discussed in the Wednesday meeting. Whereas, ICC election procedure will also be finalised for the ICC chairman and the nomination recommendation will also be presented to the ICC Board.

From confidentiality issue to fate of T20 World Cup: What to expect from the crucial ICC Board meeting

The West Indies team led by Jason Holder departed from Antigua for England to play three Test starting July 8 and arrived in Manchester on Tuesday. All the players and staff completed their COVID-19 tests and all the results were confirmed as negative. Players and staff on board will be tested again&nbsp;for coronavirus.

West Indies, who have sent a strong 25-man squad for the England tour, will live, train and play in a “bio-secure” environment with strict protocols restricting movement in and out of the venues. Hence, 11 reserve players are travelling to train and prepare the Test squad while ensuring replacements are available in case of any injury.

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West Indies depart the Caribbean for Sandals Tour of England. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ENGvWI?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ENGvWI</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MenInMaroon?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MenInMaroon</a> 
 
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Fans would be looking forward to the three-match Test series after watching months of television repeats as England captain Joe Root said: "It must be extremely scary and I think the whole cricketing world will be grateful to see some cricket again."

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/stokes-does-not-need-extra-captaincy-pressure-says-pietersen-304324" hreflang="en">Stokes does not need extra captaincy pressure, says Pietersen</a>

The Test series was originally scheduled to be played in June but will now kickstart from July 8 due to COVID-19 pandemic, becoming the first international cricket series to be played after an enforced break. The series will be played at more “bio-secure” Ageas Bowl and Old Trafford rather than traditional Oval, Edgbaston and Lord’s.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, various health measures including a ban on saliva are set to be rubber-stamped at the ICC meeting on Wednesday.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/racism-and-sports-enough-is-enough-304319" hreflang="en">Racism and sports - Enough is enough!</a>

"Our main objective is to deliver a safe environment for all stakeholders," said England and Wales Cricket Board events director Steve Elworthy.

<h2>England vs West Indies, Test series - Full schedule</h2>

• 1st Test v West Indies: 8-12 July at Ageas Bowl

• 2nd Test v West Indies: 16-20 July at Emirates Old Trafford

• 3rd Test v West Indies: 24-28 July at Emirates Old Trafford

The West Indies team led by Jason Holder departed from Antigua for England to play three Test starting July 8 and arrived in Manchester on Tuesday. All the players and staff completed their COVID-19 tests and all the results were confirmed as negative.

The West Indies team led by Jason Holder departed from Antigua for England to play three Test starting July 8 and arrived in Manchester on Tuesday. All the players and staff completed their COVID-19 tests and all the results were confirmed as negative. Players and staff on board will be tested again for coronavirus. West Indies, who have sent a strong 25-man squad for the England tour, will live, train and play in a “bio-secure” environment with strict protocols restricting movement in and out of the venues. Hence, 11 reserve players are travelling to train and prepare the Test squad while ensuring replacements are available in case of any injury. West Indies depart the Caribbean for Sandals Tour of England. #ENGvWI #MenInMaroon Read morehttps://t.co/ycf4XHBeZC pic.twitter.com/aQkMNLice9 — Windies Cricket (@windiescricket) June 8, 2020 × Fans would be looking forward to the three-match Test series after watching months of television repeats as England captain Joe Root said: "It must be extremely scary and I think the whole cricketing world will be grateful to see some cricket again." ALSO READ: Stokes does not need extra captaincy pressure, says Pietersen The Test series was originally scheduled to be played in June but will now kickstart from July 8 due to COVID-19 pandemic, becoming the first international cricket series to be played after an enforced break. The series will be played at more “bio-secure” Ageas Bowl and Old Trafford rather than traditional Oval, Edgbaston and Lord’s. Meanwhile, various health measures including a ban on saliva are set to be rubber-stamped at the ICC meeting on Wednesday. ALSO READ: Racism and sports - Enough is enough! "Our main objective is to deliver a safe environment for all stakeholders," said England and Wales Cricket Board events director Steve Elworthy. England vs West Indies, Test series - Full schedule • 1st Test v West Indies: 8-12 July at Ageas Bowl • 2nd Test v West Indies: 16-20 July at Emirates Old Trafford • 3rd Test v West Indies: 24-28 July at Emirates Old Trafford

England vs West Indies: Windies arrive in Manchester as all players test negative; series to start from July 8

The Executive Board of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) on Monday deferred a decision on the fate of Asia Cup T20 2020 after meeting via video-conference. Speculations are rife that the Asia Cup 2020 might be postponed due to COVID-19 pandemic but in the meeting, the ACC emphasized on the importance of conducting the Asia Cup, scheduled to be hosted by Pakistan in the month of September.

While the Asia Cup 2020 is expected to be shifted to another country if the tournament is held, as India cannot travel to Pakistan. The ACC is expected to wait for ICC’s decision on the T20 World Cup in Australia, slated to be held in October-November before taking a decision on the Asia Cup.&nbsp;

"...the Board emphasised on the importance of holding the Asia Cup 2020. In light of the impact and consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, possible venue options for the Asia Cup 2020 were discussed and it was decided to take the final decision in due course," an ACC press release stated after the meeting on Monday.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/england-vs-west-indies-windies-arrive-in-manchester-as-all-players-test-negative-series-to-start-from-july-8-304496" hreflang="en">England vs West Indies: Windies arrive in Manchester as all players test negative; series to start from July 8</a>

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This was the first continental meeting attended by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) president Sourav Ganguly and secretary Jay Shah with the ACC board meeting chaired by BCB president Nazmul Hasan Papon.

While there were discussions regarding the postponement of the Asia Cup T20, no consensus could be reached. Another major topic discussed was ACC’s involvement in the 2022 Asian Games in China.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/stokes-does-not-need-extra-captaincy-pressure-says-pietersen-304324" hreflang="en">Stokes does not need extra captaincy pressure, says Pietersen</a>

"The Board was also apprised of the status and progress of the ACC's involvement with the Asian Games 2022 in Hangzhou, China," it stated. 
&nbsp;

The Executive Board of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) on Monday deferred a decision on the fate of Asia Cup T20 2020 after meeting via video-conference. Speculations are rife that the Asia Cup 2020 might be postponed due to COVID-19 pandemic but in the meeting, the ACC emphasized on the importance of conducting the Asia Cup, scheduled to be hosted by Pakistan in the month of September.

The Executive Board of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) on Monday deferred a decision on the fate of Asia Cup T20 2020 after meeting via video-conference. Speculations are rife that the Asia Cup 2020 might be postponed due to COVID-19 pandemic but in the meeting, the ACC emphasized on the importance of conducting the Asia Cup, scheduled to be hosted by Pakistan in the month of September. While the Asia Cup 2020 is expected to be shifted to another country if the tournament is held, as India cannot travel to Pakistan. The ACC is expected to wait for ICC’s decision on the T20 World Cup in Australia, slated to be held in October-November before taking a decision on the Asia Cup. "...the Board emphasised on the importance of holding the Asia Cup 2020. In light of the impact and consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, possible venue options for the Asia Cup 2020 were discussed and it was decided to take the final decision in due course," an ACC press release stated after the meeting on Monday. ALSO READ: England vs West Indies: Windies arrive in Manchester as all players test negative; series to start from July 8 The Executive Board of the ACC met via video conference today, where matters relating to scheduled ACC events were discussed. pic.twitter.com/9CpVcyloqz — AsianCricketCouncil (@ACCMedia1) June 8, 2020 × This was the first continental meeting attended by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) president Sourav Ganguly and secretary Jay Shah with the ACC board meeting chaired by BCB president Nazmul Hasan Papon. While there were discussions regarding the postponement of the Asia Cup T20, no consensus could be reached. Another major topic discussed was ACC’s involvement in the 2022 Asian Games in China. ALSO READ: Stokes does not need extra captaincy pressure, says Pietersen "The Board was also apprised of the status and progress of the ACC's involvement with the Asian Games 2022 in Hangzhou, China," it stated.

Sourav Ganguly, Jay Shah attend ACC Board meeting as decision on Asia Cup 2020 deferred

Six-times Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton has backed the anti-racism protestors who pulled down the statue of Edward Colston in Bristol&nbsp;while urging governments across the world to take similar action.

The protests are taking place worldwide in the wake of the death of an unarmed black man – George Floyd – in police custody in Minneapolis but in Bristol, the protestors threw the statue of Colston into the harbour.

Hamilton challenged the government officials worldwide to implement peaceful removal of racist symbols as he said the statue should stay in the river just like the 20 thousand African souls who died on their journey and their bodies were thrown into the sea. &nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/nba-legend-jordan-donating-100-million-to-social-justice-groups-304484" hreflang="en">NBA legend Jordan donating $100 million to social justice groups</a>

Hamilton, taking to Instagram, wrote: “I challenge government officials worldwide to make these changes and implement the peaceful removal of these racist symbols.

“That man’s statue should stay in the river just like the 20 thousand African souls who died on the journey here and thrown into the sea, with no burial or memorial. He stole them from their families, country and he must not be celebrated!”

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/if-you-think-i-am-a-racist-then-anthony-joshua-lashes-out-at-critics-after-black-lives-matter-protest-speech-304231" hreflang="en">'If you think I am a racist then...' - Anthony Joshua lashes out at critics after Black Lives Matter protest speech</a>

Hamilton has been one of the highest-profile celebrities to come forward and actively support the Black Lives Matter movement and even called out his sport’s initial silence over the killing of Floyd.

F1 managing director praised Hamilton for being a great ambassador of the sport while backing him in his stance against anti-racism.

“Lewis is a great ambassador for the sport and his comments are very valid,” Brawn told Sky Sports’ The F1 Show. “We support him completely.”

Six-times Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton has backed the anti-racism protestors who pulled down the statue of Edward Colston in Bristol while urging governments across the world to take similar action.

Six-times Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton has backed the anti-racism protestors who pulled down the statue of Edward Colston in Bristol while urging governments across the world to take similar action. The protests are taking place worldwide in the wake of the death of an unarmed black man – George Floyd – in police custody in Minneapolis but in Bristol, the protestors threw the statue of Colston into the harbour. Hamilton challenged the government officials worldwide to implement peaceful removal of racist symbols as he said the statue should stay in the river just like the 20 thousand African souls who died on their journey and their bodies were thrown into the sea. ALSO READ: NBA legend Jordan donating $100 million to social justice groups Hamilton, taking to Instagram, wrote: “I challenge government officials worldwide to make these changes and implement the peaceful removal of these racist symbols. “That man’s statue should stay in the river just like the 20 thousand African souls who died on the journey here and thrown into the sea, with no burial or memorial. He stole them from their families, country and he must not be celebrated!” ALSO READ: 'If you think I am a racist then...' - Anthony Joshua lashes out at critics after Black Lives Matter protest speech Hamilton has been one of the highest-profile celebrities to come forward and actively support the Black Lives Matter movement and even called out his sport’s initial silence over the killing of Floyd. F1 managing director praised Hamilton for being a great ambassador of the sport while backing him in his stance against anti-racism. “Lewis is a great ambassador for the sport and his comments are very valid,” Brawn told Sky Sports’ The F1 Show. “We support him completely.”

Lewis Hamilton backs anti-racism protestors who threw Edward Colston's statue in the river, says 'he must not be celebrated'

After bringing back Indians from Sri Lanka and Maldives, Indian Navy ships are all set to bring back Indians from Iran.

In the first phase of operation "Samudra Setu"&nbsp;from Iran, INS Shardul will bring back Indians from Bandar Abbas, Iran to Porbandar, Gujarat. It&nbsp;is part of the third phase of "Vande Bharat"&nbsp;mission announced by EAM Dr Jaishankar last month.

As far as INS Shardul is concerned, most of the over 200 Indians coming back are Gujarat&nbsp;fishermen. There are also some seafarers and workers. A 15-member team from the Indian mission in Tehran and consulates in Bandar Abbas and Zahedan have been present to coordinate the repatriation.

The second phase of Samudra Setu from Iran is expected to facilitate the return of fishermen from Tamil Nadu and Kerala.

There are more than 1,000 Indian fishermen in Iran’s southern provinces of Hormozgan and Bushehr. They are spread over a large geographical area of around 500 kms and live in remote areas such as Asaluyeh, Chiruyeh, Charak, Lavan island, Moqam, Bustaneh and the popular tourist place, Kish island.

They operate from small jetties. These fishermen hail primarily from Tamil Nadu, Gujarat and Kerala. They have been earning their livelihood in Iran over the last 4-5 years.

The Indian mission in Tehran and its Consulate in Bandar Abbas have been in constant touch with these fishermen during the COVID-19 pandemic and had provided essential supplies to them in March&nbsp;despite inter-province lockdown and other restrictions.

Last month saw India beginning repatriation from the Maldives via INS Jalashwa and INS Magar. It&nbsp;was expanded to Sri Lanka earlier this month. More than 2,500 people in the two&nbsp;countries have been brought back via two&nbsp;Navy ships.

Iran was among the earliest countries to be significantly impacted by the coronavirus. The first case in Iran was&nbsp;reported on February.

Special flights to repatriate Indian nationals from Iran started in early March. There were as many as seven flights in March and two in May.

More than 1,500 Indians have been brought back home via these flights, including more than 1100 pilgrims (around 900 from Ladakh, more than 100 from J&amp;K and around 50 from Maharashtra), around 200 students, mostly from J&amp;K, and more than 50 seafarers from all over India.

After bringing back Indians from Sri Lanka and Maldives, Indian Navy ships are all set to bring back Indians from Iran. In the first phase of operation "Samudra Setu" from Iran, INS Shardul will bring back Indians from Bandar Abbas, Iran to Porbandar, Gujarat.

After bringing back Indians from Sri Lanka and Maldives, Indian Navy ships are all set to bring back Indians from Iran. In the first phase of operation "Samudra Setu" from Iran, INS Shardul will bring back Indians from Bandar Abbas, Iran to Porbandar, Gujarat. It is part of the third phase of "Vande Bharat" mission announced by EAM Dr Jaishankar last month. As far as INS Shardul is concerned, most of the over 200 Indians coming back are Gujarat fishermen. There are also some seafarers and workers. A 15-member team from the Indian mission in Tehran and consulates in Bandar Abbas and Zahedan have been present to coordinate the repatriation. The second phase of Samudra Setu from Iran is expected to facilitate the return of fishermen from Tamil Nadu and Kerala. There are more than 1,000 Indian fishermen in Iran’s southern provinces of Hormozgan and Bushehr. They are spread over a large geographical area of around 500 kms and live in remote areas such as Asaluyeh, Chiruyeh, Charak, Lavan island, Moqam, Bustaneh and the popular tourist place, Kish island. They operate from small jetties. These fishermen hail primarily from Tamil Nadu, Gujarat and Kerala. They have been earning their livelihood in Iran over the last 4-5 years. The Indian mission in Tehran and its Consulate in Bandar Abbas have been in constant touch with these fishermen during the COVID-19 pandemic and had provided essential supplies to them in March despite inter-province lockdown and other restrictions. Last month saw India beginning repatriation from the Maldives via INS Jalashwa and INS Magar. It was expanded to Sri Lanka earlier this month. More than 2,500 people in the two countries have been brought back via two Navy ships. Iran was among the earliest countries to be significantly impacted by the coronavirus. The first case in Iran was reported on February. Special flights to repatriate Indian nationals from Iran started in early March. There were as many as seven flights in March and two in May. More than 1,500 Indians have been brought back home via these flights, including more than 1100 pilgrims (around 900 from Ladakh, more than 100 from J&K and around 50 from Maharashtra), around 200 students, mostly from J&K, and more than 50 seafarers from all over India.

Bundesliga: Werder slip towards drop, Union eye safety as teams take knee for Floyd

Manchester City and England footballer Raheem Sterling on Sunday insisted that racism is&nbsp;"the only disease right now".

The 25-year-old, who has often and powerfully spoken out on discrimination, admitted his remarks may appear ill-chosen as the globe fights the coronavirus pandemic.

"I know this might sound a little bit cheesy but the only disease right now is the racism that we are fighting," said Sterling in a BBC TV interview to be broadcast on Monday.

Sterling is the latest sports star to voice support for protests against racism in the United States and across the world following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis last month.

"This is the most important thing at this moment in time because this is something that is happening for years and years. Just like the pandemic, we want to find a solution to stop it," he added.

"At the same time, this is what all these protesters are doing. They are trying to find a solution and a way to stop the injustice they are seeing, and they are fighting for their cause.

"As long as they are doing it peacefully and safely and not hurting anybody and not breaking into any stores, they continue to protest in this peaceful way."

Sterling has previously been prominent in calling out racism in both the domestic and international game.

Last year he advised fellow players against walking off the pitch in the event of racial abuse.

But Sterling believes it is now time for the talking to develop into real change - in society and in the notoriously tribal world of professional football.

"There's only so much communities and other backgrounds can take - especially black people.

"It's been going on for hundreds of years and people are tired and people are ready for change.

"This is something that needs more than just talking. We need to actually implement change and highlight the places that do need changes.

"But this is something that I myself will continue to do, and spark these debates and get people in my industry looking at themselves and thinking what they can do to give people an equal chance in this country."

Manchester City and England footballer Raheem Sterling on Sunday insisted that racism is "the only disease right now". The 25-year-old, who has often and powerfully spoken out on discrimination, admitted his remarks may appear ill-chosen as the globe fights the coronavirus pandemic.

Manchester City and England footballer Raheem Sterling on Sunday insisted that racism is "the only disease right now". The 25-year-old, who has often and powerfully spoken out on discrimination, admitted his remarks may appear ill-chosen as the globe fights the coronavirus pandemic. "I know this might sound a little bit cheesy but the only disease right now is the racism that we are fighting," said Sterling in a BBC TV interview to be broadcast on Monday. Sterling is the latest sports star to voice support for protests against racism in the United States and across the world following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis last month. "This is the most important thing at this moment in time because this is something that is happening for years and years. Just like the pandemic, we want to find a solution to stop it," he added. "At the same time, this is what all these protesters are doing. They are trying to find a solution and a way to stop the injustice they are seeing, and they are fighting for their cause. "As long as they are doing it peacefully and safely and not hurting anybody and not breaking into any stores, they continue to protest in this peaceful way." Sterling has previously been prominent in calling out racism in both the domestic and international game. Last year he advised fellow players against walking off the pitch in the event of racial abuse. But Sterling believes it is now time for the talking to develop into real change - in society and in the notoriously tribal world of professional football. "There's only so much communities and other backgrounds can take - especially black people. "It's been going on for hundreds of years and people are tired and people are ready for change. "This is something that needs more than just talking. We need to actually implement change and highlight the places that do need changes. "But this is something that I myself will continue to do, and spark these debates and get people in my industry looking at themselves and thinking what they can do to give people an equal chance in this country."

Racism 'only disease right now,' says Sterling

Former two-weight UFC champion Conor McGregor has announced on Twitter that he is retiring from the sport for the third time, citing a lack of exciting options as the reason behind his decision to quit.

“Hey guys I’ve decided to retire from fighting. Thank you all for the amazing memories! What a ride it’s been!” the 31-year-old Irishman said, adding a picture of him and his mother and promising to buy her a dream home.

“The game just does not excite me, and that’s that,” McGregor told ESPN on Sunday.

“All this waiting around. There’s nothing happening. I’m going through opponent options, and there’s nothing really there at the minute. There’s nothing that’s exciting me.”

McGregor, who knocked out Donald Cerrone in 40 seconds on his return to the octagon back in January, had hoped to fight twice more in 2020, but the COVID-19 pandemic and a lack of interesting opponents seems to have put paid to that.

McGregor had been linked by the media to a number of fights, including a match-up against Brazilian great Anderson Silva, but the Irishman hinted that the UFC was not prepared to meet his price for such a bout.

“When the Anderson one came along, I was like, yeah, that’s a mad fight. And then everyone said he’s old and over the hill,” McGregor explained.

“I was like, what? Fighting a former light heavyweight and the middleweight GOAT (greatest of all time), and the actual GOAT in my eyes - that’s not a rewardable fight?”

UFC president Dana White, who has faced demands from other fighters including light-heavyweight icon Jon Jones and welterweight crowd-pleaser Jorge Masvidal to be paid more money for their fights, appeared to take McGregor’s retirement seriously.

“Nobody is pressuring anybody to fight. And if Conor McGregor feels he wants to retire, you know my feelings about retirement - you should absolutely do it,” he told a media conference following Saturday’s UFC 250 event in Las Vegas.

The former UFC featherweight and lightweight champion first quit the sport in April 2016. In March 2019, he again announced he was hanging up his gloves, but on both occasions the retirements were short-lived.

Once again, McGregor is leaving the door open for a return in the future.

“We’ll see what the future holds. But for right now, for the immediate future, 2020, all the best to it.”

Former two-weight UFC champion Conor McGregor has announced on Twitter that he is retiring from the sport for the third time, citing a lack of exciting options as the reason behind his decision to quit.

Former two-weight UFC champion Conor McGregor has announced on Twitter that he is retiring from the sport for the third time, citing a lack of exciting options as the reason behind his decision to quit. “Hey guys I’ve decided to retire from fighting. Thank you all for the amazing memories! What a ride it’s been!” the 31-year-old Irishman said, adding a picture of him and his mother and promising to buy her a dream home. “The game just does not excite me, and that’s that,” McGregor told ESPN on Sunday. “All this waiting around. There’s nothing happening. I’m going through opponent options, and there’s nothing really there at the minute. There’s nothing that’s exciting me.” McGregor, who knocked out Donald Cerrone in 40 seconds on his return to the octagon back in January, had hoped to fight twice more in 2020, but the COVID-19 pandemic and a lack of interesting opponents seems to have put paid to that. McGregor had been linked by the media to a number of fights, including a match-up against Brazilian great Anderson Silva, but the Irishman hinted that the UFC was not prepared to meet his price for such a bout. “When the Anderson one came along, I was like, yeah, that’s a mad fight. And then everyone said he’s old and over the hill,” McGregor explained. “I was like, what? Fighting a former light heavyweight and the middleweight GOAT (greatest of all time), and the actual GOAT in my eyes - that’s not a rewardable fight?” UFC president Dana White, who has faced demands from other fighters including light-heavyweight icon Jon Jones and welterweight crowd-pleaser Jorge Masvidal to be paid more money for their fights, appeared to take McGregor’s retirement seriously. “Nobody is pressuring anybody to fight. And if Conor McGregor feels he wants to retire, you know my feelings about retirement - you should absolutely do it,” he told a media conference following Saturday’s UFC 250 event in Las Vegas. The former UFC featherweight and lightweight champion first quit the sport in April 2016. In March 2019, he again announced he was hanging up his gloves, but on both occasions the retirements were short-lived. Once again, McGregor is leaving the door open for a return in the future. “We’ll see what the future holds. But for right now, for the immediate future, 2020, all the best to it.”

McGregor announces his third retirement on Twitter

World 400 metres champion Salwa Eid Naser was provisionally suspended for registering four “whereabouts failures”, the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) said on Sunday.

The Bahrain athlete, who won gold at the World Championships in Doha last year, pleaded her innocence despite being suspended by the AIU on Friday for failing to make herself available for anti-doping tests.

In an Instagram video, Naser had said she had “only missed three drug tests” and that the missed tests came before the September event in Doha.

"The investigation into Ms Naser's three whereabouts failures in 2019 was ongoing at the time of the Doha World Championships and she was not provisionally suspended at that time," the AIU said in a statement.

“Following conclusion of the investigation and a fourth whereabouts failure in January 2020, a Notice of Charge was issued and Ms Naser subject to an immediate provisional suspension.”

According to World Athletics Anti-Doping Rules, any combination of three whereabouts failures — filing failures or missed tests — within a 12-month period by an athlete constitutes an anti-doping violation.

Athletes guilty of whereabouts failures could face two-year bans or a minimum of one year depending on the degree of fault.

The AIU added it would not comment any further as the disciplinary process was still ongoing.

The 22-year-old Naser, who had said she had not been tested this year, hoped she could soon put the issue behind her.

“It can happen to anybody. I don’t want people to get confused in all this because I would never cheat,” she had said on the video.

“Hopefully, it’ll get resolved because I don’t really like the image... It’s going to be fine. It’s very hard to have this little stain on my name.”

World 400 metres champion Salwa Eid Naser was provisionally suspended for registering four “whereabouts failures”, the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) said on Sunday.

World 400 metres champion Salwa Eid Naser was provisionally suspended for registering four “whereabouts failures”, the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) said on Sunday. The Bahrain athlete, who won gold at the World Championships in Doha last year, pleaded her innocence despite being suspended by the AIU on Friday for failing to make herself available for anti-doping tests. In an Instagram video, Naser had said she had “only missed three drug tests” and that the missed tests came before the September event in Doha. "The investigation into Ms Naser's three whereabouts failures in 2019 was ongoing at the time of the Doha World Championships and she was not provisionally suspended at that time," the AIU said in a statement. “Following conclusion of the investigation and a fourth whereabouts failure in January 2020, a Notice of Charge was issued and Ms Naser subject to an immediate provisional suspension.” According to World Athletics Anti-Doping Rules, any combination of three whereabouts failures — filing failures or missed tests — within a 12-month period by an athlete constitutes an anti-doping violation. Athletes guilty of whereabouts failures could face two-year bans or a minimum of one year depending on the degree of fault. The AIU added it would not comment any further as the disciplinary process was still ongoing. The 22-year-old Naser, who had said she had not been tested this year, hoped she could soon put the issue behind her. “It can happen to anybody. I don’t want people to get confused in all this because I would never cheat,” she had said on the video. “Hopefully, it’ll get resolved because I don’t really like the image... It’s going to be fine. It’s very hard to have this little stain on my name.”

Athletics: AIU says suspended Naser missed four tests as she pleads innocence

Manchester City will attempt to overturn their two-year UEFA ban from European football when a three-day hearing at the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Switzerland begins on Monday.

European soccer’s governing body UEFA ruled in February that City had committed serious breaches of Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations and failed to cooperate with its investigation, handing them a ban and a 30 million euro (24.9 million pounds) fine.

Missing out on a Champions League season would cost City, who have denied wrongdoing, as much as 100 million pounds ($127 million) in prize money and broadcast revenue, as well as matchday and other revenues.

The FFP regulations are designed to stop clubs running up big losses through spending on players.

They also ensure that sponsorship deals are based on their real market value and are genuine commercial agreements — and not ways for owners to pump cash into a club to get around the rules.

UEFA opened an investigation into City last March after the publication of ‘Football Leaks’ documents led to allegations that the club’s Abu Dhabi owners had inflated sponsorship agreements to comply with the FFP requirements.

The leaked documents included club emails which referred to money being "routed" through sponsors. Reuters was unable to verify if such payments were made here.

As well as questioning the nature of the documents, City have been unhappy at the way in which UEFA’s Club Financial Control Body (CFCB) conducted the investigation.

“The allegations are not true. They are simply not true,” City CEO Ferran Soriano said in a statement in February.

“We provided the evidence but in the end this FFP Investigatory Chamber relied more on out of context stolen emails than all the other evidence we provided of what actually happened and I think it is normal that we feel like we feel.

“Ultimately based on our experience and our perception this seems to be less about justice and more about politics,” added the Spaniard.

The Abu Dhabi United Group, the investment vehicle owned by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, is the majority owner of the City Football Group, with a stake of around 77%.

Manchester City will attempt to overturn their two-year UEFA ban from European football when a three-day hearing at the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Switzerland begins on Monday.

Manchester City will attempt to overturn their two-year UEFA ban from European football when a three-day hearing at the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Switzerland begins on Monday. European soccer’s governing body UEFA ruled in February that City had committed serious breaches of Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations and failed to cooperate with its investigation, handing them a ban and a 30 million euro (24.9 million pounds) fine. Missing out on a Champions League season would cost City, who have denied wrongdoing, as much as 100 million pounds ($127 million) in prize money and broadcast revenue, as well as matchday and other revenues. The FFP regulations are designed to stop clubs running up big losses through spending on players. They also ensure that sponsorship deals are based on their real market value and are genuine commercial agreements — and not ways for owners to pump cash into a club to get around the rules. UEFA opened an investigation into City last March after the publication of ‘Football Leaks’ documents led to allegations that the club’s Abu Dhabi owners had inflated sponsorship agreements to comply with the FFP requirements. The leaked documents included club emails which referred to money being "routed" through sponsors. Reuters was unable to verify if such payments were made here. As well as questioning the nature of the documents, City have been unhappy at the way in which UEFA’s Club Financial Control Body (CFCB) conducted the investigation. “The allegations are not true. They are simply not true,” City CEO Ferran Soriano said in a statement in February. “We provided the evidence but in the end this FFP Investigatory Chamber relied more on out of context stolen emails than all the other evidence we provided of what actually happened and I think it is normal that we feel like we feel. “Ultimately based on our experience and our perception this seems to be less about justice and more about politics,” added the Spaniard. The Abu Dhabi United Group, the investment vehicle owned by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, is the majority owner of the City Football Group, with a stake of around 77%.

Man City enter CAS hearing hoping to overturn UEFA ban

La Liga will use virtual images of stands in television broadcasts with added ‘fan audio’, produced by the makers of the FIFA video game, when it returns to action on Thursday.

Domestic broadcasters in Spain will offer their viewers the choice of a ‘natural’ broadcast of games played behind closed doors with no fans but the international audience will receive only the enhanced broadcasts with added audio and graphics.

La Liga said in a statement on Sunday that the use of technology “will allow matches to be seen in an attractive way that closely resembles how they looked and sounded before the competition was postponed.”

The stands will be “virtualised” and will offer to-scale images of seated fans wearing the home club’s colours. La Liga collaborated with Norwegian company VIZRT on the technology.

“In moments when the game is stopped, this image of fans can be transformed into a canvas that matches the colour of the home team and will carry institutional messages among other offerings,” added the league.

The virtual sound has been developed with video game company EA SPORTS FIFA, in a project called Sounds of the Stands.

“Through this, the audio library of LaLiga official sponsor EA, which was recorded in real stadiums, has been used and has been digitally adapted so that it can be implemented in real time during the match,” said the statement.

“It will be adapted to the flow of the game as certain situations occur, such as a goal or a foul, creating what is known as Atmospheric Audio.”

Barcelona lead the table by two points over Real Madrid with 11 rounds of matches left, after the season was paused in March due to the novel coronavirus pandemic, and the two rivals are braced for one of the tightest title races in recent memory.

The fight for Champions League football is even closer, with at least five teams vying for third and fourth place.

The restart begins with Thursday’s derby between Sevilla and Real Betis, while champions Barcelona visit Real Mallorca on Saturday and Real Madrid host Eibar on Sunday.

“We have made these broadcasting changes so fans can enjoy LaLiga,” said the legaue’s President Javier Tebas.

“We work with global partners to offer a great viewer experience. We are in an exceptional situation, but for us it has been important to be able to adapt and offer a compelling, cutting-edge broadcast to our fans,” he added.

La Liga will use virtual images of stands in television broadcasts with added ‘fan audio’, produced by the makers of the FIFA video game, when it returns to action on Thursday.

La Liga will use virtual images of stands in television broadcasts with added ‘fan audio’, produced by the makers of the FIFA video game, when it returns to action on Thursday. Domestic broadcasters in Spain will offer their viewers the choice of a ‘natural’ broadcast of games played behind closed doors with no fans but the international audience will receive only the enhanced broadcasts with added audio and graphics. La Liga said in a statement on Sunday that the use of technology “will allow matches to be seen in an attractive way that closely resembles how they looked and sounded before the competition was postponed.” The stands will be “virtualised” and will offer to-scale images of seated fans wearing the home club’s colours. La Liga collaborated with Norwegian company VIZRT on the technology. “In moments when the game is stopped, this image of fans can be transformed into a canvas that matches the colour of the home team and will carry institutional messages among other offerings,” added the league. The virtual sound has been developed with video game company EA SPORTS FIFA, in a project called Sounds of the Stands. “Through this, the audio library of LaLiga official sponsor EA, which was recorded in real stadiums, has been used and has been digitally adapted so that it can be implemented in real time during the match,” said the statement. “It will be adapted to the flow of the game as certain situations occur, such as a goal or a foul, creating what is known as Atmospheric Audio.” Barcelona lead the table by two points over Real Madrid with 11 rounds of matches left, after the season was paused in March due to the novel coronavirus pandemic, and the two rivals are braced for one of the tightest title races in recent memory. The fight for Champions League football is even closer, with at least five teams vying for third and fourth place. The restart begins with Thursday’s derby between Sevilla and Real Betis, while champions Barcelona visit Real Mallorca on Saturday and Real Madrid host Eibar on Sunday. “We have made these broadcasting changes so fans can enjoy LaLiga,” said the legaue’s President Javier Tebas. “We work with global partners to offer a great viewer experience. We are in an exceptional situation, but for us it has been important to be able to adapt and offer a compelling, cutting-edge broadcast to our fans,” he added.

La Liga to use 'virtual' stands and audio for broadcasts

Shreyas Iyer is pretty confident that his consistent performances in past one year has sealed the lingering debate about India's number four slot in white ball cricket.

Having tried the likes of Ambati Rayudu Vijay Shankar, Rishabh Pant and MS Dhoni, India recalled the Mumbai youngster in the tour against West Indies, in the aftermath of their semifinal loss to New Zealand in the World Cup.

He impressed against the West Indies but the 25-year-old was a revelation in New Zealand tour earlier this year when he ended up being the top run-getter with one century and two half-centuries in India's 0-3 series whitewash.

"If you have been playing for India at that position for a year now that means you have sealed it. There should be no more questions asked about it," Iyer said in an Instagram chat hosted by his IPL franchise Delhi Capitals.

Iyer scored 217 runs in the series -- the most by an Indian No 4 in a three-match bilateral series.

"When the debate was going on about No 4, performing at No 4 and completely sealing the position was really satisfying."

Iyer however said he's flexible to bat at any position as per the team's requirement.

"But when you are playing for India, you need to be very much flexible at any position or whatever the team requires. I feel I can bat any position depending on the situation," he said.

Having missed out of the World Cup, Iyer was recalled for the Caribbean tour as he struck back-to-back half-centuries at No 5 in Port of Spain in their 2-0 win.

Indian captain Virat Kohli was reminded of his younger days and complimented Iyer saying he was "exactly the same".

"It's really a phenomenal feeling when he talks or compliments his teammates... He's a role model for all the youngsters out there," Iyer said.

Describing Kohli like a lion in the team, he said:

"Whenever he goes out on the field it feels as if he's playing his first game. He's never tired, always energetic like a lion. You see a different body language when he enters the ground, something great to learn from him."

The Delhi Capitals captain further recalled his debut season in 2015 where he ended up getting 439 runs, playing with a fractured index finger.

"It was a dramatic season. During the season after the third game, I fractured my index finger and thought I won't be able to play anymore," he recalled adding how head coach Gary Kirsten egged him on as he went on to clinch the Emerging Player Award.

"But Gary said 'we really need you'. He wanted me to play and told me 'hide somewhere while fielding and just bat for us'.

"I could have done anything for the team. To score those many runs with a fractured finger was like a dream come true. Not many know about this story."

Having got the captaincy baton from Gautam Gambhir midway into their struggling campaign in 2018, Iyer led Delhi Capitals to their first playoffs in seven years last year.

"I knew the situation would come and it would be thrown at me. I was prepared. I really enjoyed the responsibility coming at top. We're youngsters, fearless and showed a lot of maturity as well," he said as the team finally shed off the 'perennial underachievers' tag to make the last-four in 2019.

The self belief was key to DC's success in 2019 after a gap of seven years, said Iyer.

"We had the sense of belief in ourselves and team. Our aim was to make the play-offs."

"We had this one goal in our mind -- to give our 100 per cent. Results didn't really matter.

"Once we knew we did our preparation, we should not get bogged down and regret. We trained really hard and that stood out pretty well."

DC were out in play-offs but for the first time in many years, looked like a team that could go the distance. "We did and proved that we're capable of winning the IPL. We hope the fans give the same energy this year. We don't know what will happen or will it be held closed-door... Hopefully we will win the trophy this year," he concluded.&nbsp;

Shreyas Iyer is pretty confident that his consistent performances in past one year has sealed the lingering debate about India's number four slot in white ball cricket.

Shreyas Iyer is pretty confident that his consistent performances in past one year has sealed the lingering debate about India's number four slot in white ball cricket. Having tried the likes of Ambati Rayudu Vijay Shankar, Rishabh Pant and MS Dhoni, India recalled the Mumbai youngster in the tour against West Indies, in the aftermath of their semifinal loss to New Zealand in the World Cup. He impressed against the West Indies but the 25-year-old was a revelation in New Zealand tour earlier this year when he ended up being the top run-getter with one century and two half-centuries in India's 0-3 series whitewash. "If you have been playing for India at that position for a year now that means you have sealed it. There should be no more questions asked about it," Iyer said in an Instagram chat hosted by his IPL franchise Delhi Capitals. Iyer scored 217 runs in the series -- the most by an Indian No 4 in a three-match bilateral series. "When the debate was going on about No 4, performing at No 4 and completely sealing the position was really satisfying." Iyer however said he's flexible to bat at any position as per the team's requirement. "But when you are playing for India, you need to be very much flexible at any position or whatever the team requires. I feel I can bat any position depending on the situation," he said. Having missed out of the World Cup, Iyer was recalled for the Caribbean tour as he struck back-to-back half-centuries at No 5 in Port of Spain in their 2-0 win. Indian captain Virat Kohli was reminded of his younger days and complimented Iyer saying he was "exactly the same". "It's really a phenomenal feeling when he talks or compliments his teammates... He's a role model for all the youngsters out there," Iyer said. Describing Kohli like a lion in the team, he said: "Whenever he goes out on the field it feels as if he's playing his first game. He's never tired, always energetic like a lion. You see a different body language when he enters the ground, something great to learn from him." The Delhi Capitals captain further recalled his debut season in 2015 where he ended up getting 439 runs, playing with a fractured index finger. "It was a dramatic season. During the season after the third game, I fractured my index finger and thought I won't be able to play anymore," he recalled adding how head coach Gary Kirsten egged him on as he went on to clinch the Emerging Player Award. "But Gary said 'we really need you'. He wanted me to play and told me 'hide somewhere while fielding and just bat for us'. "I could have done anything for the team. To score those many runs with a fractured finger was like a dream come true. Not many know about this story." Having got the captaincy baton from Gautam Gambhir midway into their struggling campaign in 2018, Iyer led Delhi Capitals to their first playoffs in seven years last year. "I knew the situation would come and it would be thrown at me. I was prepared. I really enjoyed the responsibility coming at top. We're youngsters, fearless and showed a lot of maturity as well," he said as the team finally shed off the 'perennial underachievers' tag to make the last-four in 2019. The self belief was key to DC's success in 2019 after a gap of seven years, said Iyer. "We had the sense of belief in ourselves and team. Our aim was to make the play-offs." "We had this one goal in our mind -- to give our 100 per cent. Results didn't really matter. "Once we knew we did our preparation, we should not get bogged down and regret. We trained really hard and that stood out pretty well." DC were out in play-offs but for the first time in many years, looked like a team that could go the distance. "We did and proved that we're capable of winning the IPL. We hope the fans give the same energy this year. We don't know what will happen or will it be held closed-door... Hopefully we will win the trophy this year," he concluded.

I think I have sealed No 4 position: Shreyas Iyer

The world may be battling the coronavirus pandemic on various fronts but for English footballer Raheem Sterling, the only disease prevalent currently is racism. The murder of George Floyd has seen the leading names in world sport unite to demand respect, and change is underway with American football body NFL apologising for not listening to players on racism.

It is becoming the symbol of defiance in the sporting world as much as high-profile sportspersons have taken to the roads to join in protestors in different parts of the world.

Roger Goodell, National Football League commissioner, said: “We, the National Football League admit we were wrong for not listening to NFL players earlier and encourage all to speak out and peacefully protest. We, the National Football League, believe Black Lives Matter. I personally protest with you and want to be part of the much needed change in this country. Without black players, there would be no National Football League.”

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/manchester-city-vs-uefa-what-to-expect-from-the-cas-hearing-304296" hreflang="en">Manchester City vs UEFA: What to expect from the CAS hearing</a>

<img alt="Colin Kapernick" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0c8a0212-ad7c-44ae-83a9-c6d045543441" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/200213-colin-kaepernick-mc-12552_2d2f4cd087ffe7317562affd0966cf9e.fit-2000w.jpg" />

It has been a significant U-turn from a body that ostracised one of the original crusaders against police brutality and racial injustice in the united states.

In 2016, Colin Kaepernick started taking a knee during the American national anthem. It was a symbolic act that sparked off a movement across American sport in 2017 with teams from basketball, baseball and hockey following Kaepernick’s lead.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/if-you-think-i-am-a-racist-then-anthony-joshua-lashes-out-at-critics-after-black-lives-matter-protest-speech-304231" hreflang="en">'If you think I am a racist then...' - Anthony Joshua lashes out at critics after Black Lives Matter protest speech</a>

President Donald Trump saw it as an insult to the American flag and made his displeasure known. The retribution was swift, team owners got the message and Kaepernick hasn’t played since the 2016-17 season. The murder of George Floyd though has unleashed a tsunami of protests again and Kaepernick’s defiance has been vindicated.

Across the world, ‘black’ athletes are celebrated not for their skin colour but for their achievements.

Michael Jordan is one of the greatest basketball players of all time. Not many can contest Tiger Woods’ pressing claim to be the greatest golfer of all time. Serena Williams and elder sister Venus have broken stereotypes and records in the last 20 years on the tennis circuit. Usain Bolt remains the gold standard in athletics despite retiring three years ago. In the fast world of Formula One, Lewis Hamilton is on the verge of rewriting all records.

Today it is these icons and many more who are once again at the forefront of this battle, using their reach to remind fans that equality and respect are the foundations on which sport is built.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/racism-only-disease-right-now-says-sterling-304181" hreflang="en">Racism 'only disease right now,' says Sterling</a>

It's disappointing to still to see things like these&nbsp;going on. That's all&nbsp;anyone really wants is change, you can see that you can see how powerful the messages are coming across. Yet that change has been slow to come and black players constantly suffer abuse on a sporting pitch by the very fans who come to stadiums to cheer for them.

This time though sport seems to have had enough… 
&nbsp;

The world may be battling the coronavirus pandemic on various fronts but for English footballer Raheem Sterling, the only disease prevalent currently is racism. The murder of George Floyd has seen the leading names in world sport unite to demand respect, and change is underway with American football body NFL apologising for not listening to players on racism.

The world may be battling the coronavirus pandemic on various fronts but for English footballer Raheem Sterling, the only disease prevalent currently is racism. The murder of George Floyd has seen the leading names in world sport unite to demand respect, and change is underway with American football body NFL apologising for not listening to players on racism. It is becoming the symbol of defiance in the sporting world as much as high-profile sportspersons have taken to the roads to join in protestors in different parts of the world. Roger Goodell, National Football League commissioner, said: “We, the National Football League admit we were wrong for not listening to NFL players earlier and encourage all to speak out and peacefully protest. We, the National Football League, believe Black Lives Matter. I personally protest with you and want to be part of the much needed change in this country. Without black players, there would be no National Football League.” ALSO READ: Manchester City vs UEFA: What to expect from the CAS hearing It has been a significant U-turn from a body that ostracised one of the original crusaders against police brutality and racial injustice in the united states. In 2016, Colin Kaepernick started taking a knee during the American national anthem. It was a symbolic act that sparked off a movement across American sport in 2017 with teams from basketball, baseball and hockey following Kaepernick’s lead. ALSO READ: 'If you think I am a racist then...' - Anthony Joshua lashes out at critics after Black Lives Matter protest speech President Donald Trump saw it as an insult to the American flag and made his displeasure known. The retribution was swift, team owners got the message and Kaepernick hasn’t played since the 2016-17 season. The murder of George Floyd though has unleashed a tsunami of protests again and Kaepernick’s defiance has been vindicated. Across the world, ‘black’ athletes are celebrated not for their skin colour but for their achievements. Michael Jordan is one of the greatest basketball players of all time. Not many can contest Tiger Woods’ pressing claim to be the greatest golfer of all time. Serena Williams and elder sister Venus have broken stereotypes and records in the last 20 years on the tennis circuit. Usain Bolt remains the gold standard in athletics despite retiring three years ago. In the fast world of Formula One, Lewis Hamilton is on the verge of rewriting all records. Today it is these icons and many more who are once again at the forefront of this battle, using their reach to remind fans that equality and respect are the foundations on which sport is built. ALSO READ: Racism 'only disease right now,' says Sterling It's disappointing to still to see things like these going on. That's all anyone really wants is change, you can see that you can see how powerful the messages are coming across. Yet that change has been slow to come and black players constantly suffer abuse on a sporting pitch by the very fans who come to stadiums to cheer for them. This time though sport seems to have had enough…

Racism and sports - Enough is enough!

Kevin Pietersen does not think Ben Stokes should captain England if Joe Root is forced to miss a game against the West Indies because it would heap too much pressure on the all-rounder.

Root's wife is due to give birth in July, meaning he risks missing one of the three behind-closed-doors Tests against the Caribbean side next month.

Root has backed vice-captain Stokes to do a good job in his absence, but former England skipper Pietersen is wary about the all-rounder assuming even more responsibility.

Pietersen, who said he "hated" the responsibility of being captain of England for a brief spell, would prefer wicketkeeper-batsman Jos Buttler to take over.

"Do I want to see Ben Stokes change from who he is and the current player he is? Probably not. Jos Buttler would be my guy," he told talkSPORT.

"The entertainers and the guys that have to carry the mantle in the team sometimes aren't the best captains and sometimes struggle with the extra added pressure."

Pietersen said the captaincy changed how players were viewed in the dressing room.

"I struggled with it, I absolutely hated it and I was rubbish," he said. "You have to change and I couldn't command the respect of the dressing room."

England begin their summer of cricket, which has been badly affected by the coronavirus pandemic, on July 8 with the first Test against the West Indies.

Further international matches against Pakistan, Australia and Ireland are all pencilled in, but they are all likely to be played in empty stadiums.

"I would rather be in the broadcaster chair than in the players' chair because entertainers like atmosphere and you are going to have to build your own atmosphere and dig as deep as you can to try your best and perform in front of a whisper," Pietersen said.

"It is going to be hard, especially for cricket. Six hours, when you're in the field and guys are batting and you're 100 overs into an innings, England are going to have to dig deep because it is going to feel like a warm-up game, with no one watching."

Kevin Pietersen does not think Ben Stokes should captain England if Joe Root is forced to miss a game against the West Indies because it would heap too much pressure on the all-rounder.

Kevin Pietersen does not think Ben Stokes should captain England if Joe Root is forced to miss a game against the West Indies because it would heap too much pressure on the all-rounder. Root's wife is due to give birth in July, meaning he risks missing one of the three behind-closed-doors Tests against the Caribbean side next month. Root has backed vice-captain Stokes to do a good job in his absence, but former England skipper Pietersen is wary about the all-rounder assuming even more responsibility. Pietersen, who said he "hated" the responsibility of being captain of England for a brief spell, would prefer wicketkeeper-batsman Jos Buttler to take over. "Do I want to see Ben Stokes change from who he is and the current player he is? Probably not. Jos Buttler would be my guy," he told talkSPORT. "The entertainers and the guys that have to carry the mantle in the team sometimes aren't the best captains and sometimes struggle with the extra added pressure." Pietersen said the captaincy changed how players were viewed in the dressing room. "I struggled with it, I absolutely hated it and I was rubbish," he said. "You have to change and I couldn't command the respect of the dressing room." England begin their summer of cricket, which has been badly affected by the coronavirus pandemic, on July 8 with the first Test against the West Indies. Further international matches against Pakistan, Australia and Ireland are all pencilled in, but they are all likely to be played in empty stadiums. "I would rather be in the broadcaster chair than in the players' chair because entertainers like atmosphere and you are going to have to build your own atmosphere and dig as deep as you can to try your best and perform in front of a whisper," Pietersen said. "It is going to be hard, especially for cricket. Six hours, when you're in the field and guys are batting and you're 100 overs into an innings, England are going to have to dig deep because it is going to feel like a warm-up game, with no one watching."

Stokes does not need extra captaincy pressure, says Pietersen

English club Manchester City’s appeal against their two-year UEFA Champions League ban will be heard by the Court of Arbitration for Sport from Monday. While CAS has even taken as long as three months to announce a decision, Man City’s appeal is expected to be given a quick verdict given the number of other clubs’ dependence on the outcome.&nbsp;

<h2>But what to expect from – “Manchester City FC vs UEFA”?&nbsp;</h2>

In February, UEFA’ Club Financial Control Body Adjudicatory Chamber found the English club guilty of committing ‘serious breaches of Financial Fair Play Regulations’ by overstating its sponsorship revenue between 2012 and 2016. The verdict added that City had ‘failed to cooperate in the investigation of this case by the CFCB’.

As per FFP rules, a club cannot receive money directly from their owner (the UAE’s Sheikh Mansour here) and polish it up as sponsorship income from other entities. The result went against Man City and the Blues were handed a two-year ban from European competition and a fine of €30 million (£26.8 million).

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/man-city-enter-cas-hearing-hoping-to-overturn-uefa-ban-304174" hreflang="en">Man City enter CAS hearing hoping to overturn UEFA ban</a>

Man City and their officials have always maintained that they are innocence and have many a time stated that they have concrete evidence to support their position. Previously, they have even criticized UEFA’s investigation and stated that they had “always anticipated the ultimate need to seek out an independent body and process” to decide the outcome.&nbsp;

Man City had even lodged an appeal to the CAS in 2019 but it was binned because there was no decision to appeal against it. In February, just two weeks after UEFA announced their verdict, Man City lodged a fresh appeal with CAS – the hearing starts Monday.&nbsp;

<img alt="Man City vs UEFA" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c7c232f2-c007-4620-9099-4abc681eaa03" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_1T28U1.jpg" />

<h2>When to expect a decision?</h2>

A three-day hearing is already lengthy by CAS standards. But as seen with hearings related to the Olympics or World Cup, a decision in the month of August could be expected. A detailed report could follow the verdict. However, CAS announced their decision on Galatasaray’s appeal against UEFA’s ban in a week.

<h2>Could it hamper Man City's Premier League future&nbsp;campaigns?</h2>

Premier League points deduction is a possibility if CAS rule the decision against Man City. The Premier League, as per their own FFP regulations, have been investigating the Blues but it seems like they are waiting for their job to become easy following CAS’s verdict on Man City. In a nutshell, if a club has foxed UEFA in process of playing European football, it will be punished by the Premier League – separately. So that is another major concern for City.

<img alt="Man City vs UEFA" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ca7b7100-8abb-4a94-86dc-bd7f4a57f476" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_1FS8FM.jpg" />

<h2>What does it mean for other clubs?</h2>

If CAS was to uphold City’s ban, then the Pep Guardiola-managed outfit won’t play in Champions League next season. If it happens, then the fifth-placed team in the Premier League would quality for UCL in their place. If FA Cup winners have already qualified for European football, then the next-ranked side not qualified for Europan competition goes into Europa League group stage. Even the seventh or eighth finish could get you a spot in the qualifying round.

Premier League current standings: 1. Liverpool 2. City 3. Leicester 4. Chelsea 5. Manchester United 6. Wolverhampton Wanderers 7. Sheffield United 8. Tottenham Hotspur 9. Arsenal 10. Burnley.

<img alt="Man City vs UEFA" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="332349f2-949c-451b-b045-d64e3129827d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_1N40JJ.jpg" />

<h2>Money riding on the appeal?</h2>

City could lose out around $77 million (£62.8 million), as per Forbes. However, the sum doesn’t include sponsorship agreements.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

English club Manchester City’s appeal against their two-year UEFA Champions League ban will be heard by the Court of Arbitration for Sport from Monday. While CAS has even taken as long as three months to announce a decision, Man City’s appeal is expected to be given a quick verdict given the number of other clubs’ dependence on the outcome.

English club Manchester City’s appeal against their two-year UEFA Champions League ban will be heard by the Court of Arbitration for Sport from Monday. While CAS has even taken as long as three months to announce a decision, Man City’s appeal is expected to be given a quick verdict given the number of other clubs’ dependence on the outcome. But what to expect from – “Manchester City FC vs UEFA”? In February, UEFA’ Club Financial Control Body Adjudicatory Chamber found the English club guilty of committing ‘serious breaches of Financial Fair Play Regulations’ by overstating its sponsorship revenue between 2012 and 2016. The verdict added that City had ‘failed to cooperate in the investigation of this case by the CFCB’. As per FFP rules, a club cannot receive money directly from their owner (the UAE’s Sheikh Mansour here) and polish it up as sponsorship income from other entities. The result went against Man City and the Blues were handed a two-year ban from European competition and a fine of €30 million (£26.8 million). ALSO READ: Man City enter CAS hearing hoping to overturn UEFA ban Man City and their officials have always maintained that they are innocence and have many a time stated that they have concrete evidence to support their position. Previously, they have even criticized UEFA’s investigation and stated that they had “always anticipated the ultimate need to seek out an independent body and process” to decide the outcome. Man City had even lodged an appeal to the CAS in 2019 but it was binned because there was no decision to appeal against it. In February, just two weeks after UEFA announced their verdict, Man City lodged a fresh appeal with CAS – the hearing starts Monday. When to expect a decision? A three-day hearing is already lengthy by CAS standards. But as seen with hearings related to the Olympics or World Cup, a decision in the month of August could be expected. A detailed report could follow the verdict. However, CAS announced their decision on Galatasaray’s appeal against UEFA’s ban in a week. Could it hamper Man City's Premier League future campaigns? Premier League points deduction is a possibility if CAS rule the decision against Man City. The Premier League, as per their own FFP regulations, have been investigating the Blues but it seems like they are waiting for their job to become easy following CAS’s verdict on Man City. In a nutshell, if a club has foxed UEFA in process of playing European football, it will be punished by the Premier League – separately. So that is another major concern for City. What does it mean for other clubs? If CAS was to uphold City’s ban, then the Pep Guardiola-managed outfit won’t play in Champions League next season. If it happens, then the fifth-placed team in the Premier League would quality for UCL in their place. If FA Cup winners have already qualified for European football, then the next-ranked side not qualified for Europan competition goes into Europa League group stage. Even the seventh or eighth finish could get you a spot in the qualifying round. Premier League current standings: 1. Liverpool 2. City 3. Leicester 4. Chelsea 5. Manchester United 6. Wolverhampton Wanderers 7. Sheffield United 8. Tottenham Hotspur 9. Arsenal 10. Burnley. Money riding on the appeal? City could lose out around $77 million (£62.8 million), as per Forbes. However, the sum doesn’t include sponsorship agreements.

Manchester City vs UEFA: What to expect from the CAS hearing

The sporting world is opening up steadily following the prolonged break due to COVID-19 pandemic. While international cricket is set to resume from July 8, dark clouds continue to hover over two of biggest cricketing events in the year 2020 – the T20 World Cup and Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020.&nbsp;

There has been no official word on the future of the two tournaments with IPL remaining suspended indefinitely and T20 World Cup being on schedule. While there have been reports on T20 World Cup heading towards postponement with IPL 2020 taking up the October-November slot, former West Indies bowler and a legend of the game, Michael Holding is of the view that the BCCI has every right to go for IPL in that window if the T20 World Cup gets postponed.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/if-you-think-i-am-a-racist-then-anthony-joshua-lashes-out-at-critics-after-black-lives-matter-protest-speech-304231" hreflang="en">'If you think I am a racist then...' - Anthony Joshua lashes out at critics after Black Lives Matter protest speech</a>

Holding is of the view that as long as IPL is not encroaching on other tournaments, they have every right to conduct the tournament. Holding opined during an Instagram live session, "I don’t think ICC is delaying the T20 World Cup because they are making space for the IPL. It’s the Australian government’s law where they are not allowing any visitors into the country before a specific date.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/using-saliva-inside-bio-secure-environment-wont-pose-any-health-risk-shaun-pollock-304195" hreflang="en">Using saliva inside 'bio-secure' environment won't pose any health risk: Shaun Pollock</a>

“But if there is no T20 World Cup, the BCCI has all rights to go ahead and organise a domestic tournament because there’s a space. If they are encroaching on other people’s tournament, you could say okay," said the cricketer-turned-commentator.

With the ICC Board meeting set to be held on Wednesday, it is still unclear whether there will be any final word on the fate of the T20 World Cup. 
&nbsp;

The sporting world is opening up steadily following the prolonged break due to COVID-19 pandemic. While international cricket is set to resume from July 8, dark clouds continue to hover over two of biggest cricketing events in the year 2020 – the T20 World Cup and Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020.

The sporting world is opening up steadily following the prolonged break due to COVID-19 pandemic. While international cricket is set to resume from July 8, dark clouds continue to hover over two of biggest cricketing events in the year 2020 – the T20 World Cup and Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020. There has been no official word on the future of the two tournaments with IPL remaining suspended indefinitely and T20 World Cup being on schedule. While there have been reports on T20 World Cup heading towards postponement with IPL 2020 taking up the October-November slot, former West Indies bowler and a legend of the game, Michael Holding is of the view that the BCCI has every right to go for IPL in that window if the T20 World Cup gets postponed. ALSO READ: 'If you think I am a racist then...' - Anthony Joshua lashes out at critics after Black Lives Matter protest speech Holding is of the view that as long as IPL is not encroaching on other tournaments, they have every right to conduct the tournament. Holding opined during an Instagram live session, "I don’t think ICC is delaying the T20 World Cup because they are making space for the IPL. It’s the Australian government’s law where they are not allowing any visitors into the country before a specific date. ALSO READ: Using saliva inside 'bio-secure' environment won't pose any health risk: Shaun Pollock “But if there is no T20 World Cup, the BCCI has all rights to go ahead and organise a domestic tournament because there’s a space. If they are encroaching on other people’s tournament, you could say okay," said the cricketer-turned-commentator. With the ICC Board meeting set to be held on Wednesday, it is still unclear whether there will be any final word on the fate of the T20 World Cup.

Michael Holding: BCCI has every right to host IPL 2020 if there is no T20 World Cup

Heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua has lashed out at those who called him a racist after parts of his speech addressing protestors at a Black Lives Matter march in London on Saturday, went viral on social media. Joshua, one of Britain’s highest-profile athletes, had joined a march in his home town of Watford before gathering in a park where he recited a poem written by a friend.&nbsp;

Parts of his speech was cut where the heavyweight boxing was heard saying: “Show them where it hurts. Abstain from spending your money in their shops and economies, and invest in black-owned businesses.”

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/no-positives-in-latest-round-of-premier-league-coronavirus-tests-304207" hreflang="en">No positives in latest round of Premier League coronavirus tests</a>

However, Joshua received massive backlash on social media as many termed him “racist” for the poem. But Joshua reacted on micro-blogging platform Twitter as he wrote: “If you think I’m a racist, go f*** yourself! If you watch the full video, the speech was passed around for someone to read and I took the lead.

“I personally spoke from the heart about the Watford community, ideas of us personally investing seven figures to create unity and opportunities and adding change to the African/Caribbean community. Shops aren’t the issue here. Before you talk s***, you better boycott racism,” he added.

<img alt="Anthony Joshua" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0a178d33-ca85-481a-9269-a6b345ed27b5" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Joshua.JPG" />

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— Anthony Joshua (@anthonyfjoshua) <a href="https://twitter.com/anthonyfjoshua/status/1269741350255243266?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 7, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Protests and marches have been held all over the world after the killing of an unarmed black man George Floyd by a policeman in Minneapolis on May 25. Four officers have been charged over the death since then.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bundesliga-werder-slip-towards-drop-union-eye-safety-as-teams-take-knee-for-floyd-304185" hreflang="en">Bundesliga: Werder slip towards drop, Union eye safety as teams take knee for Floyd</a>

Meanwhile, protests and voices are growing all over the world with high-profile sportspersons showing joining in. Footballers from Bundesliga have been actively showing support for the marches and protests against racism. Even players from La Liga and Premier League have spoken about the issue.

Heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua has lashed out at those who called him a racist after parts of his speech addressing protestors at a Black Lives Matter march in London on Saturday, went viral on social media.

Heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua has lashed out at those who called him a racist after parts of his speech addressing protestors at a Black Lives Matter march in London on Saturday, went viral on social media. Joshua, one of Britain’s highest-profile athletes, had joined a march in his home town of Watford before gathering in a park where he recited a poem written by a friend. Parts of his speech was cut where the heavyweight boxing was heard saying: “Show them where it hurts. Abstain from spending your money in their shops and economies, and invest in black-owned businesses.” ALSO READ: No positives in latest round of Premier League coronavirus tests However, Joshua received massive backlash on social media as many termed him “racist” for the poem. But Joshua reacted on micro-blogging platform Twitter as he wrote: “If you think I’m a racist, go f*** yourself! If you watch the full video, the speech was passed around for someone to read and I took the lead. “I personally spoke from the heart about the Watford community, ideas of us personally investing seven figures to create unity and opportunities and adding change to the African/Caribbean community. Shops aren’t the issue here. Before you talk s***, you better boycott racism,” he added. pic.twitter.com/wvGLauap66 — Anthony Joshua (@anthonyfjoshua) June 7, 2020 × Protests and marches have been held all over the world after the killing of an unarmed black man George Floyd by a policeman in Minneapolis on May 25. Four officers have been charged over the death since then. ALSO READ: Bundesliga: Werder slip towards drop, Union eye safety as teams take knee for Floyd Meanwhile, protests and voices are growing all over the world with high-profile sportspersons showing joining in. Footballers from Bundesliga have been actively showing support for the marches and protests against racism. Even players from La Liga and Premier League have spoken about the issue.

'If you think I am a racist then...' - Anthony Joshua lashes out at critics after Black Lives Matter protest speech

One of the finest badminton players of the current generation, an Olympic medalist in 2016, world champion in 2017, a former world No. 1 and the winner of All England Open 2020 – Viktor Axelsen – graced the 50th episode of WION Sports Broadband Edition as he, in an exclusive interview with Sports Editor, Digvijay Singh Deo, spoke about the issue of fitness post-lockdown, badminton without fans, international travel for tournaments, his terrific run at the All England Championship, and much more.<o:p></o:p>

Digvijay Singh Deo: Viktor,&nbsp;how have you been doing? Have the last couple of months with all the coronavirus restrictions in place been difficult?

Viktor Axelsen: The last few months have been a challenge for every person on the planet. It has been a tough time for us athletes since we haven't been able to follow our usual routines.

DSD: Denmark has managed to deal with this pandemic much better than a lot of other European nations - and I believe there is even a plan to open up the borders and travel later this month...In your opinion, do you think the people in your country share the view that the worst of the pandemic is behind them?

Viktor Axelsen: I can't really speak on behalf of the people of Denmark. I can only follow the guidelines which have been laid out by the government. The situation is certainly improving here and I just hope that other countries are also able to contain the virus.

DSD: Since you are used to travelling all over the world, how frustrating has this period been for you?

Viktor Axelsen: It has been very frustrating. I'm used to a certain kind of lifestyle, which includes travelling for tournaments all over the world. However, because of this pandemic, everything has been put on hold. It has been a huge challenge to stay physically and mentally fit. I think it's important to take things one day at a time and that's what I've been doing.

DSD: You've been a busy man during the lockdown though, Viktor - your social media feeds are buzzing with videos of you exercising and teaching some badminton shots or commenting on the latest developments in your sport.

Viktor Axelsen: I certainly enjoy using social media to communicate with the rest of the world. Being an athlete, I am in a fortunate position, so I can motivate others and give them a few tips which they might find useful. That is a huge privilege for me and I try to help out as much as I can, maybe in the future, I will get a chance to do more.

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— Viktor Axelsen (@ViktorAxelsen) <a href="https://twitter.com/ViktorAxelsen/status/1254003270349185025?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 25, 2020</a></blockquote>
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DSD: Have you had a chance to return to the badminton courts and start proper training?

Viktor Axelsen: We've been fortunate here in Denmark that the situation has improved considerably, so we have been able to return to practice.we haven't been able to start full-time training, but we are able to practice on the court for one and a half hours per day. We aren't back to full throttle yet and only a limited number of players are back. It's definitely better than nothing and I'm really delighted to be back on the court again.

DSD: Were you a little bit rusty when you returned to the court?

Viktor Axelsen: I was definitely a little bit rusty. We're taking things slowly at the moment so that we can avoid any serious injuries.

DSD: You missed a large part of last season due to a persistent leg problem, Viktor,&nbsp;you didn't seem to be bothered by it much at the start of this season before the break due to the pandemic - but do you feel like this second break will benefit you in the long run?

Viktor Axelsen: It's hard to say. I want to use this period as an opportunity to practice hard and get back stronger. I'm just trying to focus on things that are under my control, the current situation is something which is out of my hands. I'm just trying to adapt the best way I can and hopefully, this break will benefit me when we return to competitive badminton.

DSD: I'm sure you were looking forward to the Olympic Games this year and adding to the bronze medal you won in Rio 4 years ago. That's now been pushed to 2021 and we now know that even the qualifying process will only resume next year. Are you happy with these decisions?

Viktor Axelsen: It's a real shame that the games had to be postponed. Ideally, the 2020 Olympics should have taken place in 2020. However, it was the right thing to postpone the event, the crisis is far from over and there was no other option available. At this point, I'm just using all my energy to prepare for the 2021 Olympics. There's still a year to go for the games and there will be a number of tournaments before the showpiece event. Currently, I am working on getting back into shape so that I'm ready for tournaments when things get up and running.

DSD: Does a mega-event like the Olympics need special preparation, some of the Indian players take a couple of months off to specifically train for the games, do you follow something similar?

Viktor Axelsen: I haven't really made any concrete plans for my Olympic preparation yet because I'm not sure about the calendar and which events I will play in 2021. The BWF has released the qualifying regulations, so now I will sit down with my coach and decide which tournaments I will play and plan my travel accordingly.

<img alt="Viktor Axelsen" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="cdc1dd6c-7f89-4496-9043-44a96349d8df" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_1GS3G9.jpg" />

DSD: It is really going to be tough for players going forward because we are likely to see a trial and error method is adopted by the BFW&nbsp;on how to deal with the pandemic.

Viktor Axelsen: This is an unprecedented crisis and something we weren't prepared for. It's a tough situation for all the stakeholders of the game, the players and the various organisations. The only thing we can do is try to make the best out of this situation. It's definitely going to be a huge challenge for everyone.

DSD: We also know that the big-ticket badminton tournaments this year will resume in September this year and continue pretty much non-stop till December, so I'm curious to know what you make of the new schedule put out by the BWF?

Viktor Axelsen: I think it is an extremely ambitious plan. 22 tournaments have been planned in such a short span of time, the players will have to be very cautious since the risk of getting injured will be high. I hope players put a lot of thought before planning their schedule because playing too many back-to-back tournaments is really tough on the body. I don't know what the right thing to do is but I know that I have to be very careful with my body.

DSD: A&nbsp;lot of Indian players voiced their concerns over the calendar, but ultimately the players will have to make a choice, especially those who are looking to climb the ladder in the race for the Tokyo Olympics, so they will try to play as many tournaments as possible, it's going to be a tough choice to make.

Viktor Axelsen: It is going to be very tough for the players. In this situation, there are no right or wrong answers. I realise that the shutdown has a lot of financial implications for the BWF and they need to get the money pumping in again. I just hope there are rules in place so that players are not pushed to play all tournaments. The athletes' health should be the priority, if players play 10 tournaments in 12 weeks then their health will be put in danger. So it is really important that the players are protected in this situation.

DSD: The other concern is about travelling restrictions and quarantine laws that are in place around the world. To play at the top level you need clarity of thought and many have told me that the issue of safety will always be at the back of the minds.

Viktor Axelsen: I don't think it is going to be possible for players to quarantine for two weeks upon arrival to any country or when they return home, because of the packed calendar we have. Hopefully, by September, some of the international travel restrictions will be relaxed. If that isn't the case then it's going to be very difficult for players to travel for events all over the world. We have to wait and see what happens, I'm just keeping my fingers crossed.

DSD: Since badminton is an indoor sport and the 'new normal' is no fans.&nbsp;How will it affect players, obviously fans create quite an atmosphere and some thrive off it...

Viktor Axelsen: It's going to be a completely different experience. I haven't played a tournament without fans in a very long time. It might feel a bit like a practice session. The fans create an atmosphere which is really special. It is going to be disappointing to play without spectators but it's better than not playing at all.

<img alt="Viktor Axelsen" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="07ce0036-eb3d-4331-a188-d17fb93437f3" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_1NM48H.jpg" />

DSD: Do you think all the players will accept all the compromises that will have to be made&nbsp;to get things rolling again.

Viktor Axelsen: It is really a case of observing how the next three months unfold and then we might have more clarity on the subject.

DSD: Among the tournaments listed is the Thomas Cup which is to take place in your home country Denmark. The event has already had to be postponed twice and you had raised concerns about the quality of the field if top teams are not able to travel. Are you optimistic about the tournament going ahead?

Viktor Axelsen: I think it's just a guessing game at this point. Many of the countries are still in lockdown and players are not being able to practice, so in my opinion, it is not a level-playing field for all players at the moment. We'll have to wait and see how the situation unfolds before taking a call.

DSD: I've had conversations with India's women's world champion PV Sindhu and some of the men's shuttlers as well over these last two months - and everyone seems to suggest it is going to take quite a bit of time for players to hit peak form and fitness again.what is your estimate?

Viktor Axelsen: We started practice about one and a half months back, so the Danish players have a bit of a headstart over the rest in terms of preparation. However, we are not really training at full throttle and only doing so for a limited period of time. It's still going to take some time for me to return to my peak but I believe I will be fit enough when the tournaments resume. There is still some time to go till the calendar restarts and it is an opportunity for me to work on certain aspects of my game. Usually, we only have a few weeks to prepare before the season begins, but in this case, we have had much more time, so the training regime is also different.

DSD: You made a pretty strong start to the season before it was halted. Winning the Spain Masters, reaching the final in Malaysia and then that tearaway triumph at the All England Open - where you dominated the draw. That was the only major title missing from your trophy cabinet - so how did it feel to finally achieve it?

Viktor Axelsen: It was a dream come true for me to win the All England Championship. I had mixed feeling when I returned home because of the COVID-19 outbreak, but it doesn't take anything away from my victory. It is really special to have the All England triumph on my CV and I'm delighted to be one of the Danish players to have won the title.

DSD: That was the last tournament before the season was halted - in fact, it was taking place while alarm bells had already started ringing in the United Kingdom regarding the COVID-19 outbreak, did you feel throughout that week that you were putting yourself in danger of getting the infection, how were you able to clear your head?

Viktor Axelsen: When i step on the court, the only thing on my mind is badminton and that was the approach I employed that week. I didn't go out much, I mostly stayed in my hotel room when I wasn't playing. I put the responsibility on the organisers and the government to take the necessary precautions and concentrated on my job, which is to play badminton.

<img alt="Viktor Axelsen" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="91ae3f98-8ea7-4385-a348-ce04602eb1c4" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_1PW8H7.jpg" />

DSD: Over the last couple of years - Japan's Kento Momota has emerged as the dominant force in the men's game - he's world No.1, won back to back World Championships. Can you talk to us about what makes him such a good player and what about his game works so well specifically against yours?

Viktor Axelsen: Kento Momota is a complete badminton player. He is probably the biggest talent in badminton right now and is also an amazing athlete. I have found him to be a very tough opponent, but in a way it's great to have someone like him because he pushes me to train and work harder every day. Hopefully, my game will continue to improve and we will have many high-level matches in the future. I will practice as hard as possible to win our next match-up.

DSD: Another very interesting thing about you, Viktor, is that you can actually speak fluently in Mandarin. It's definitely won you a lot of fans in China - but I'm curious to know what made you want to learn the language in the first place.

Viktor Axelsen: Badminton is a very popular sport in China and about 4-5 years ago, I wanted to apply my mind on something other than badminton, so I decided to learn a new language - Mandarin. I have been studying the language ever since and fortunately, I have a very good teacher. &nbsp;It has been a wonderful process and I have gradually improved my Mandarin speaking skills. It really has been a satisfying journey, I am now able to speak to so many people from diverse backgrounds and establish relationships with them.

DSD: You used your knowledge of Mandarin to do an Instagram live with Lee Chong Wei in March. Obviously he announced retirement this year after a decorated career. You battled him many times over the years - is he someone you looked up to as a teenager coming up through the ranks?

Viktor Axelsen: Yes, it was fun to do an Instagram with Lee Chong Wei. It was a dream come true to interact with a legend like him on social media. I think every young badminton player looked up to him, no one can deny his greatness. He was extremely consistent over many years and won a number of top titles. He is a great role model for players like me because of the way he played the game.

DSD: Finally Viktor, when the action does resume do you foresee a few up and down results before the top players start dominating again...

Viktor Axelsen: I think it's going to be tough for all players to hit the ground running. All of us are going to be a bit rusty and I believe it will take time for us to get back in the groove. None of us has been in this situation before, so it is difficult to make any prediction. 
&nbsp;

One of the finest badminton players of the current generation, an Olympic medalist in 2016, world champion in 2017, a former world No. 1 and the winner of All England Open 2020 – Viktor Axelsen – graced the 50th episode of WION Sports Broadband Edition as he, in an exclusive interview with Sports Editor, Digvijay Singh Deo, spoke about the issue of fitness post-lockdown, badminton without fans, international travel for tournaments, his terrific run at the All England Championship, and much more.

One of the finest badminton players of the current generation, an Olympic medalist in 2016, world champion in 2017, a former world No. 1 and the winner of All England Open 2020 – Viktor Axelsen – graced the 50th episode of WION Sports Broadband Edition as he, in an exclusive interview with Sports Editor, Digvijay Singh Deo, spoke about the issue of fitness post-lockdown, badminton without fans, international travel for tournaments, his terrific run at the All England Championship, and much more. Digvijay Singh Deo: Viktor, how have you been doing? Have the last couple of months with all the coronavirus restrictions in place been difficult? Viktor Axelsen: The last few months have been a challenge for every person on the planet. It has been a tough time for us athletes since we haven't been able to follow our usual routines. DSD: Denmark has managed to deal with this pandemic much better than a lot of other European nations - and I believe there is even a plan to open up the borders and travel later this month...In your opinion, do you think the people in your country share the view that the worst of the pandemic is behind them? Viktor Axelsen: I can't really speak on behalf of the people of Denmark. I can only follow the guidelines which have been laid out by the government. The situation is certainly improving here and I just hope that other countries are also able to contain the virus. DSD: Since you are used to travelling all over the world, how frustrating has this period been for you? Viktor Axelsen: It has been very frustrating. I'm used to a certain kind of lifestyle, which includes travelling for tournaments all over the world. However, because of this pandemic, everything has been put on hold. It has been a huge challenge to stay physically and mentally fit. I think it's important to take things one day at a time and that's what I've been doing. DSD: You've been a busy man during the lockdown though, Viktor - your social media feeds are buzzing with videos of you exercising and teaching some badminton shots or commenting on the latest developments in your sport. Viktor Axelsen: I certainly enjoy using social media to communicate with the rest of the world. Being an athlete, I am in a fortunate position, so I can motivate others and give them a few tips which they might find useful. That is a huge privilege for me and I try to help out as much as I can, maybe in the future, I will get a chance to do more. https://t.co/aOOPRzYuXM pic.twitter.com/kHHaxqi6N8 — Viktor Axelsen (@ViktorAxelsen) April 25, 2020 × DSD: Have you had a chance to return to the badminton courts and start proper training? Viktor Axelsen: We've been fortunate here in Denmark that the situation has improved considerably, so we have been able to return to practice.we haven't been able to start full-time training, but we are able to practice on the court for one and a half hours per day. We aren't back to full throttle yet and only a limited number of players are back. It's definitely better than nothing and I'm really delighted to be back on the court again. DSD: Were you a little bit rusty when you returned to the court? Viktor Axelsen: I was definitely a little bit rusty. We're taking things slowly at the moment so that we can avoid any serious injuries. DSD: You missed a large part of last season due to a persistent leg problem, Viktor, you didn't seem to be bothered by it much at the start of this season before the break due to the pandemic - but do you feel like this second break will benefit you in the long run? Viktor Axelsen: It's hard to say. I want to use this period as an opportunity to practice hard and get back stronger. I'm just trying to focus on things that are under my control, the current situation is something which is out of my hands. I'm just trying to adapt the best way I can and hopefully, this break will benefit me when we return to competitive badminton. DSD: I'm sure you were looking forward to the Olympic Games this year and adding to the bronze medal you won in Rio 4 years ago. That's now been pushed to 2021 and we now know that even the qualifying process will only resume next year. Are you happy with these decisions? Viktor Axelsen: It's a real shame that the games had to be postponed. Ideally, the 2020 Olympics should have taken place in 2020. However, it was the right thing to postpone the event, the crisis is far from over and there was no other option available. At this point, I'm just using all my energy to prepare for the 2021 Olympics. There's still a year to go for the games and there will be a number of tournaments before the showpiece event. Currently, I am working on getting back into shape so that I'm ready for tournaments when things get up and running. DSD: Does a mega-event like the Olympics need special preparation, some of the Indian players take a couple of months off to specifically train for the games, do you follow something similar? Viktor Axelsen: I haven't really made any concrete plans for my Olympic preparation yet because I'm not sure about the calendar and which events I will play in 2021. The BWF has released the qualifying regulations, so now I will sit down with my coach and decide which tournaments I will play and plan my travel accordingly. DSD: It is really going to be tough for players going forward because we are likely to see a trial and error method is adopted by the BFW on how to deal with the pandemic. Viktor Axelsen: This is an unprecedented crisis and something we weren't prepared for. It's a tough situation for all the stakeholders of the game, the players and the various organisations. The only thing we can do is try to make the best out of this situation. It's definitely going to be a huge challenge for everyone. DSD: We also know that the big-ticket badminton tournaments this year will resume in September this year and continue pretty much non-stop till December, so I'm curious to know what you make of the new schedule put out by the BWF? Viktor Axelsen: I think it is an extremely ambitious plan. 22 tournaments have been planned in such a short span of time, the players will have to be very cautious since the risk of getting injured will be high. I hope players put a lot of thought before planning their schedule because playing too many back-to-back tournaments is really tough on the body. I don't know what the right thing to do is but I know that I have to be very careful with my body. DSD: A lot of Indian players voiced their concerns over the calendar, but ultimately the players will have to make a choice, especially those who are looking to climb the ladder in the race for the Tokyo Olympics, so they will try to play as many tournaments as possible, it's going to be a tough choice to make. Viktor Axelsen: It is going to be very tough for the players. In this situation, there are no right or wrong answers. I realise that the shutdown has a lot of financial implications for the BWF and they need to get the money pumping in again. I just hope there are rules in place so that players are not pushed to play all tournaments. The athletes' health should be the priority, if players play 10 tournaments in 12 weeks then their health will be put in danger. So it is really important that the players are protected in this situation. DSD: The other concern is about travelling restrictions and quarantine laws that are in place around the world. To play at the top level you need clarity of thought and many have told me that the issue of safety will always be at the back of the minds. Viktor Axelsen: I don't think it is going to be possible for players to quarantine for two weeks upon arrival to any country or when they return home, because of the packed calendar we have. Hopefully, by September, some of the international travel restrictions will be relaxed. If that isn't the case then it's going to be very difficult for players to travel for events all over the world. We have to wait and see what happens, I'm just keeping my fingers crossed. DSD: Since badminton is an indoor sport and the 'new normal' is no fans. How will it affect players, obviously fans create quite an atmosphere and some thrive off it... Viktor Axelsen: It's going to be a completely different experience. I haven't played a tournament without fans in a very long time. It might feel a bit like a practice session. The fans create an atmosphere which is really special. It is going to be disappointing to play without spectators but it's better than not playing at all. DSD: Do you think all the players will accept all the compromises that will have to be made to get things rolling again. Viktor Axelsen: It is really a case of observing how the next three months unfold and then we might have more clarity on the subject. DSD: Among the tournaments listed is the Thomas Cup which is to take place in your home country Denmark. The event has already had to be postponed twice and you had raised concerns about the quality of the field if top teams are not able to travel. Are you optimistic about the tournament going ahead? Viktor Axelsen: I think it's just a guessing game at this point. Many of the countries are still in lockdown and players are not being able to practice, so in my opinion, it is not a level-playing field for all players at the moment. We'll have to wait and see how the situation unfolds before taking a call. DSD: I've had conversations with India's women's world champion PV Sindhu and some of the men's shuttlers as well over these last two months - and everyone seems to suggest it is going to take quite a bit of time for players to hit peak form and fitness again.what is your estimate? Viktor Axelsen: We started practice about one and a half months back, so the Danish players have a bit of a headstart over the rest in terms of preparation. However, we are not really training at full throttle and only doing so for a limited period of time. It's still going to take some time for me to return to my peak but I believe I will be fit enough when the tournaments resume. There is still some time to go till the calendar restarts and it is an opportunity for me to work on certain aspects of my game. Usually, we only have a few weeks to prepare before the season begins, but in this case, we have had much more time, so the training regime is also different. DSD: You made a pretty strong start to the season before it was halted. Winning the Spain Masters, reaching the final in Malaysia and then that tearaway triumph at the All England Open - where you dominated the draw. That was the only major title missing from your trophy cabinet - so how did it feel to finally achieve it? Viktor Axelsen: It was a dream come true for me to win the All England Championship. I had mixed feeling when I returned home because of the COVID-19 outbreak, but it doesn't take anything away from my victory. It is really special to have the All England triumph on my CV and I'm delighted to be one of the Danish players to have won the title. DSD: That was the last tournament before the season was halted - in fact, it was taking place while alarm bells had already started ringing in the United Kingdom regarding the COVID-19 outbreak, did you feel throughout that week that you were putting yourself in danger of getting the infection, how were you able to clear your head? Viktor Axelsen: When i step on the court, the only thing on my mind is badminton and that was the approach I employed that week. I didn't go out much, I mostly stayed in my hotel room when I wasn't playing. I put the responsibility on the organisers and the government to take the necessary precautions and concentrated on my job, which is to play badminton. DSD: Over the last couple of years - Japan's Kento Momota has emerged as the dominant force in the men's game - he's world No.1, won back to back World Championships. Can you talk to us about what makes him such a good player and what about his game works so well specifically against yours? Viktor Axelsen: Kento Momota is a complete badminton player. He is probably the biggest talent in badminton right now and is also an amazing athlete. I have found him to be a very tough opponent, but in a way it's great to have someone like him because he pushes me to train and work harder every day. Hopefully, my game will continue to improve and we will have many high-level matches in the future. I will practice as hard as possible to win our next match-up. DSD: Another very interesting thing about you, Viktor, is that you can actually speak fluently in Mandarin. It's definitely won you a lot of fans in China - but I'm curious to know what made you want to learn the language in the first place. Viktor Axelsen: Badminton is a very popular sport in China and about 4-5 years ago, I wanted to apply my mind on something other than badminton, so I decided to learn a new language - Mandarin. I have been studying the language ever since and fortunately, I have a very good teacher. It has been a wonderful process and I have gradually improved my Mandarin speaking skills. It really has been a satisfying journey, I am now able to speak to so many people from diverse backgrounds and establish relationships with them. DSD: You used your knowledge of Mandarin to do an Instagram live with Lee Chong Wei in March. Obviously he announced retirement this year after a decorated career. You battled him many times over the years - is he someone you looked up to as a teenager coming up through the ranks? Viktor Axelsen: Yes, it was fun to do an Instagram with Lee Chong Wei. It was a dream come true to interact with a legend like him on social media. I think every young badminton player looked up to him, no one can deny his greatness. He was extremely consistent over many years and won a number of top titles. He is a great role model for players like me because of the way he played the game. DSD: Finally Viktor, when the action does resume do you foresee a few up and down results before the top players start dominating again... Viktor Axelsen: I think it's going to be tough for all players to hit the ground running. All of us are going to be a bit rusty and I believe it will take time for us to get back in the groove. None of us has been in this situation before, so it is difficult to make any prediction.

Axelsen: Packed badminton schedule increases injury risk for players

The 2020 Australian Open champion and Olympic silver medallist in mixed doubles, Rajeev Ram, in an exclusive interview with WION's Sports Editor, Digvijay Singh Deo, talked about the nationwide protests in the US, racism, training in lockdown, future of US Open, players' safety post resumption, ATP-WTA merger, Tokyo Olympics&nbsp;and much more.&nbsp;

Digvijay Singh Deo: Rajeev, thanks for staying up pretty late, how have these last few months been for you?

Rajeev Ram: The last few months have been tricky for me, like it has been for everyone else. The tennis season has come to a standstill. I remember being excited for the Indian Wells Open in early March but everything has gone downhill since then. I thought the shutdown would only last for a week or two, but here we are in the first week of June and hardly any action is taking place in the world of sport.

DSD: You are in Indianapolis which is where the speedway is for us sports fans, but even in your state the numbers have been pretty high in terms of COVID-19 cases.

Rajeev Ram: All over America, the situation looks very grim. There are almost 2 million COVID-19 cases in the country and more than 100,000 deaths have taken place because of the virus. Every individual, regardless of status, colour or wealth is equally susceptible to the disease.

DSD: I was speaking to John Barnes,the former Liverpool FC captain last week and he said that one of the reasons the USA and the UK have seen such high number of cases is because of people’s views on individual freedom. Do you agree with that when you compare it to India and the lockdown we have had.

Rajeev Ram: Yes, probably that is one of the reasons. This is an unprecedented crisis and it makes sense for people to not come in contact with each other because the virus is so contagious. Unfortunately, we haven't been able to contain the virus here in America. More industries are being opened up and we might see a further rise in the number of cases in the near future. One of the worst things about this pandemic is that there is so much uncertainty because of the unprecedented nature of the crisis.

DSD: The last few days has seen massive violence over the death of George Floyd. The protests have been peaceful in places and pretty violent elsewhere.

Rajeev Ram: Here in Indianapolis, some of the protests have taken a violent turn. There has been some looting and vandalism. I don't know if the situation here is as bad as we see in some of the other cities, but it certainly is an incredibly troublesome time in America. I don't know if anyone alive has seen times like these, with the coronavirus and the nationwide protests. There was a curfew imposed here the other night from 8 pm to 5 am and I don't ever remember that happening.

DSD: Rajeev, you are the son of Indian parents and also a national hero after your Olympic medal in 2016 for the US. Have you ever felt this divide that is rocking America?

Rajeev Ram: Yes, these are definitely troubling times. I am fortunate that I have never been subjected to racism in my life but that doesn't mean it doesn't exist. Turning a blind eye to racism just because it doesn't affect you directly is as bad as denying its existence. Racism is a real issue and we are seeing it on a regular basis. Sometimes, it takes protests like these to get to the bottom of things. I don't know if this will bring about real change, but the George Floyd killing is not a one-off incident, racism is a major issue in the country.

DSD: You would agree that this hasn’t shown up America in good light. Even sports stars from those in tennis like Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic to the likes of Lewis Hamilton have expressed anger at what happened...

Rajeev Ram: It hasn't shown America in the best light but I also believe that the hardest times bring out the best in people. Athletes all over the world, regardless of colour, creed or nationality have raised their voice against racism and injustice and we have gotten to see the beauty of sport. Sport transcends borders and doesn't discriminate on the basis of race, country or gender, it's a great lesson for people all over the world.

<img alt="US protest" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="413d6970-0054-4d97-ac82-df664921af64" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_1SR1D7.jpg" />

DSD: There are also quite a few burning issues in your sport. You love your Golf and the PGA Tour resumes next week but as things stand no word from tennis authorities.

Rajeev Ram: Yes, I'm a huge fan of golf and I just played 24 holes today. Tennis is a global sport, tournaments take place all over the world, so the sport faces a lot of challenges at this time. Leagues like the NBA and NFL can get all the teams in one city and create a bio-secure environment for them, but that can't be done for tennis. I don't think it would be wise for our governing bodies to make commitments which they can't deliver on. I'm very interested to see what happens with golf's PGA Tour because it might provide a lot of sports, including tennis, a template to work with during the pandemic. At this point, I can't see a clear timeline for tennis to resume.

DSD: Have you been training through this period and staying in shape?

Rajeev Ram: it's been very hard over the last few months. Luckily, I have been able to find a private tennis court near my house where I have played a little bit. I have used some of the equipment I have at home to do my fitness training. However, it is tough to train without a goal in mind. I have no idea when competitive tennis will resume and I'm just trying to maintain my general fitness levels. The positive thing is that everyone is in the same boat.

DSD: This break sort of hit you at the wrong time didn’t it as it had been a pretty good start to the 2020 season with your first men’s doubles grand slam at the Australian Open.

Rajeev Ram: I'd like to look at it positively. The fact that I was able to win the grand slam before the hiatus gives me some sort of relief, this break would have troubled me even before if I had lost in the Australian Open final. I think I'll still have some momentum when action returns because of my good form earlier this year. I'm not the only one who has had to stop playing. There are certain things that are out my control, I'm just going to do the best I can when I return to the court.

DSD: The thing with restarting the tennis season is the fairness aspect. Unlike the PGA Tour which is largely American, the ATP and WTA Tours have professionals from all over the world playing and till every player is eligible to travel and compete resumption looks difficult.

Rajeev Ram: I completely agree. The global nature of our sport is what makes it so wonderful. Everyone has an equal opportunity to compete no matter where you are from. However, the global nature of the sport will also lead to massive challenges amid the pandemic.

DSD: The US Open still remains uncertain and a decision will be taken by the end of this month.lots of interesting options being thrown about including the masters 1000 event in Cincinnati being moved to New York and to have back to back tournaments. As a player how does that sound to you?

Rajeev Ram: We can't have the US open until everyone who has qualified for the event is in a position to travel to the event, until that happens we are going to be at a standstill. As far as holding the back-to-back events are concerned, the idea sounds good as long as the authorities can ensure the safety of everyone involved. I don't think it would be fair for the tournament to go ahead if players can't make it due to travel restrictions. Even if one player who has qualified cannot make it to the us open because of some travel regulations, then I believe should not go ahead. For the tournament to take place, a safe and secure environment must be created and the competition should also be fair on all tennis players.

DSD: The options sound good in theory, chartered flights to fly players in, no fans, no locker room access on practice days, centralised housing and lots of testing.that will require a lot of compromise from the players.

Rajeev Ram: Personally, I would be willing to compromise on my access to facilities or the number of guests I am allowed to take with me. However, I wouldn't be willing to sacrifice my safety or the fairness of the competition. If the competition is not fair or safe then we shouldn't go ahead with it. I realise everyone is in a different situation, some players need to travel with their children and families, so it will be a major problem for them if only one guest is permitted. I think we have to see the current situation from different points of view.

DSD: Till the time a vaccine comes out, will players feel 100% safe while competing?

Rajeev Ram: I don't see players feeling 100% safe without a vaccine because there would always be a risk of contracting the virus. The virus is so contagious and in any kind of sport, athletes are always in close contact with their peers, whether it be on the field or in the locker rooms, there is just no way around it. There is always going to be a risk without a vaccine. I don't think the US Open or any event will take place if a certain number of players feel uncomfortable or unsafe while playing.

DSD: I was speaking to Daniel Nestor and he felt that it is going to be tough physically to play best of five sets at the US Open after such a long layoff where not many have held a racket. A best of three has been mooted, same for all formats. Where do you stand on this?

Rajeev Ram: It doesn't affect me as much because I'm not a singles player any more, but if I were competing in the event, I would be fine with matches being reduced to best of three sets. There are going to be a few adjustments that all players are going to have to make and I completely agree with Daniel Nestor's point that players are not going to be conditioned to play five sets after such a long break. It's going to be tough for players to play at full capacity after this layoff.

DSD: There is also the question of goodbyes. Take the Bryan brothers - Bob and Mike - for&nbsp;instance, legends of the sport and American sporting icons. This would have been their last hurrah and for sentimental reasons, they deserve one big sendoff.

Rajeev Ram: They deserve whatever farewell they want. They are simply the greatest men's doubles pairing of all time. However this just shows you the power of the pandemic, it doesn't care about sentiments. I hope the Bryan brothers stick around and get an opportunity to play another US Open so that they are able to get a proper send-off, which they deserve. I also think this is going to be a significant chapter in the history of the sport, it might be a turning point for many of the greats.

DSD: If they manage to create this bio bubble which is being spoken about it will also be an opportunity to trial Federer's theory of merging both the men’s and women’s tours. Cincinnati plays both events simultaneously.

Rajeev Ram: This is the perfect time for the authorities to trial Federer's theory of merging the tours. It is definitely going to be a massive logistical challenge, but if there was ever a time to test the merger, then it is now.

<img alt="Rajeev Ram" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2e019219-b5b8-4598-853f-9e14362c4295" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_1OM64L.jpg" />

DSD: Now through this period there have been hardships for lesser ranked players. Are you happy with the response of tennis bodies with the player fund that was created?

Rajeev Ram: This is such a strange and unique situation. There is no rule book on how to handle this crisis, that is why we see many people unsure about how to act. I certainly feel that it is important to support the young players so that they don't lose the incentive to continue with tennis. We have a responsibility to help the next generation carry the sport forward. I can't imagine the plight of a 20-year-old player whose development will be halted because of this shutdown. This might have a long-lasting effect on their careers.

DSD: Now there was a suggestion from former Wimbledon Champion Marion Bartoli about scrapping doubles events and boosting the prize money at challengers and lower levels. You have predominantly played doubles last few years and are world no 9 now. Is that statement uncalled for?

Rajeev Ram: She's entitled to her opinion, however i completely disagree with it. I look at it from a totally different perspective. The majority of the amateur and club players in the world play doubles and the event has been an integral part of tennis since the sport was created. The doubles discipline actually complements the singles category since it is a team event, so it adds a lot of value to the sport. If doubles events are marketed in a better fashion, then they could be as popular as the singles game. In my opinion, scrapping the doubles events would be completely wrong.

DSD: Not everyone can be a great singles player, in India, we have had some legendary doubles players from Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi to Rohan Bopanna and Sania Mirza. Fact&nbsp;remains that Federer's only Olympic gold came in doubles so it does require a whole lot of extra skills.

Rajeev Ram: Doubles is an integral part of all the major events in tennis - Davis Cup, Fed Cup and now the ATP Cup. Some of the biggest stars in the sport plied their trade and made their name in the doubles format. People don't realise how much they would miss doubles events if they were to be scrapped.

<img alt="Rajeev Ram" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="cf801778-b6cd-45d2-9b25-2d46ae33d63e" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_1OM62L.jpg" />

DSD: This break actually works out in Federer's favour doesn't it and even andy Murray’s as they will probably be able to recover from their surgeries. But you can't battle father time forever, can you?

Rajeev Ram: I'm not sure if it does work out in Federer's favour. He isn't getting any younger. He's 38 now and the best chance he had to win another major was at Wimbledon, which was cancelled this year. It's difficult to say what impact it will have on his career, but he will have to make a call sooner rather than later. As for Serena, this break doesn't help her at all. I think she's ready to win every major and she will definitely look at this break as a lost opportunity. This hiatus might be able to buy Andy Murray a bit of time for his recovery, but no true competitor wants the sport disrupted like this. Murray has overcome injuries before and I'm sure he'll do it again. This period probably hurts some more than others but it affects everybody.

DSD: For you as well, how does the Olympic postponement affect you.you won with Venus Williams in Rio and I was there when you beat Rohan Bopanna and Sania Mirza. Venus will be 41 next year and not a sure-shot contender to make the team while you as things stand.

Rajeev Ram: It's a real shame. I was really looking forward to the Tokyo Olympics in 2020, but as I said before, some things are out of our control. There is a lot of time left for the postponed Olympics in 2021, I don't know who will be on the team, but I hope I get the opportunity to play.

DSD: Lots of uncertainty over the Olympics as well, is it frustrating as players not to have a definite target ahead of you and do you see this being a trial and error process till we achieve some sort of normalcy?

Rajeev Ram: Absolutely. As I said before, there is no rule-book to follow for this crisis. Some organisations are being cautious, others are being more aggressive, but no one really has the answers. I don't think there is any guarantee of the Olympics happening next year as well. If there is no vaccine available and there is a second wave of the virus in 2021, we could be in the same situation we find ourselves in right now. It is very frustrating for us athletes to not know when we will be able to compete again.

The 2020 Australian Open champion and Olympic silver medallist in mixed doubles, Rajeev Ram, in an exclusive interview with WION's Sports Editor, Digvijay Singh Deo, talked about the nationwide protests in the US, racism, training in lockdown, future of US Open, players' safety post resumption, ATP-WTA merger, Tokyo Olympics and much more.

The 2020 Australian Open champion and Olympic silver medallist in mixed doubles, Rajeev Ram, in an exclusive interview with WION's Sports Editor, Digvijay Singh Deo, talked about the nationwide protests in the US, racism, training in lockdown, future of US Open, players' safety post resumption, ATP-WTA merger, Tokyo Olympics and much more. Digvijay Singh Deo: Rajeev, thanks for staying up pretty late, how have these last few months been for you? Rajeev Ram: The last few months have been tricky for me, like it has been for everyone else. The tennis season has come to a standstill. I remember being excited for the Indian Wells Open in early March but everything has gone downhill since then. I thought the shutdown would only last for a week or two, but here we are in the first week of June and hardly any action is taking place in the world of sport. DSD: You are in Indianapolis which is where the speedway is for us sports fans, but even in your state the numbers have been pretty high in terms of COVID-19 cases. Rajeev Ram: All over America, the situation looks very grim. There are almost 2 million COVID-19 cases in the country and more than 100,000 deaths have taken place because of the virus. Every individual, regardless of status, colour or wealth is equally susceptible to the disease. DSD: I was speaking to John Barnes,the former Liverpool FC captain last week and he said that one of the reasons the USA and the UK have seen such high number of cases is because of people’s views on individual freedom. Do you agree with that when you compare it to India and the lockdown we have had. Rajeev Ram: Yes, probably that is one of the reasons. This is an unprecedented crisis and it makes sense for people to not come in contact with each other because the virus is so contagious. Unfortunately, we haven't been able to contain the virus here in America. More industries are being opened up and we might see a further rise in the number of cases in the near future. One of the worst things about this pandemic is that there is so much uncertainty because of the unprecedented nature of the crisis. DSD: The last few days has seen massive violence over the death of George Floyd. The protests have been peaceful in places and pretty violent elsewhere. Rajeev Ram: Here in Indianapolis, some of the protests have taken a violent turn. There has been some looting and vandalism. I don't know if the situation here is as bad as we see in some of the other cities, but it certainly is an incredibly troublesome time in America. I don't know if anyone alive has seen times like these, with the coronavirus and the nationwide protests. There was a curfew imposed here the other night from 8 pm to 5 am and I don't ever remember that happening. DSD: Rajeev, you are the son of Indian parents and also a national hero after your Olympic medal in 2016 for the US. Have you ever felt this divide that is rocking America? Rajeev Ram: Yes, these are definitely troubling times. I am fortunate that I have never been subjected to racism in my life but that doesn't mean it doesn't exist. Turning a blind eye to racism just because it doesn't affect you directly is as bad as denying its existence. Racism is a real issue and we are seeing it on a regular basis. Sometimes, it takes protests like these to get to the bottom of things. I don't know if this will bring about real change, but the George Floyd killing is not a one-off incident, racism is a major issue in the country. DSD: You would agree that this hasn’t shown up America in good light. Even sports stars from those in tennis like Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic to the likes of Lewis Hamilton have expressed anger at what happened... Rajeev Ram: It hasn't shown America in the best light but I also believe that the hardest times bring out the best in people. Athletes all over the world, regardless of colour, creed or nationality have raised their voice against racism and injustice and we have gotten to see the beauty of sport. Sport transcends borders and doesn't discriminate on the basis of race, country or gender, it's a great lesson for people all over the world. DSD: There are also quite a few burning issues in your sport. You love your Golf and the PGA Tour resumes next week but as things stand no word from tennis authorities. Rajeev Ram: Yes, I'm a huge fan of golf and I just played 24 holes today. Tennis is a global sport, tournaments take place all over the world, so the sport faces a lot of challenges at this time. Leagues like the NBA and NFL can get all the teams in one city and create a bio-secure environment for them, but that can't be done for tennis. I don't think it would be wise for our governing bodies to make commitments which they can't deliver on. I'm very interested to see what happens with golf's PGA Tour because it might provide a lot of sports, including tennis, a template to work with during the pandemic. At this point, I can't see a clear timeline for tennis to resume. DSD: Have you been training through this period and staying in shape? Rajeev Ram: it's been very hard over the last few months. Luckily, I have been able to find a private tennis court near my house where I have played a little bit. I have used some of the equipment I have at home to do my fitness training. However, it is tough to train without a goal in mind. I have no idea when competitive tennis will resume and I'm just trying to maintain my general fitness levels. The positive thing is that everyone is in the same boat. DSD: This break sort of hit you at the wrong time didn’t it as it had been a pretty good start to the 2020 season with your first men’s doubles grand slam at the Australian Open. Rajeev Ram: I'd like to look at it positively. The fact that I was able to win the grand slam before the hiatus gives me some sort of relief, this break would have troubled me even before if I had lost in the Australian Open final. I think I'll still have some momentum when action returns because of my good form earlier this year. I'm not the only one who has had to stop playing. There are certain things that are out my control, I'm just going to do the best I can when I return to the court. DSD: The thing with restarting the tennis season is the fairness aspect. Unlike the PGA Tour which is largely American, the ATP and WTA Tours have professionals from all over the world playing and till every player is eligible to travel and compete resumption looks difficult. Rajeev Ram: I completely agree. The global nature of our sport is what makes it so wonderful. Everyone has an equal opportunity to compete no matter where you are from. However, the global nature of the sport will also lead to massive challenges amid the pandemic. DSD: The US Open still remains uncertain and a decision will be taken by the end of this month.lots of interesting options being thrown about including the masters 1000 event in Cincinnati being moved to New York and to have back to back tournaments. As a player how does that sound to you? Rajeev Ram: We can't have the US open until everyone who has qualified for the event is in a position to travel to the event, until that happens we are going to be at a standstill. As far as holding the back-to-back events are concerned, the idea sounds good as long as the authorities can ensure the safety of everyone involved. I don't think it would be fair for the tournament to go ahead if players can't make it due to travel restrictions. Even if one player who has qualified cannot make it to the us open because of some travel regulations, then I believe should not go ahead. For the tournament to take place, a safe and secure environment must be created and the competition should also be fair on all tennis players. DSD: The options sound good in theory, chartered flights to fly players in, no fans, no locker room access on practice days, centralised housing and lots of testing.that will require a lot of compromise from the players. Rajeev Ram: Personally, I would be willing to compromise on my access to facilities or the number of guests I am allowed to take with me. However, I wouldn't be willing to sacrifice my safety or the fairness of the competition. If the competition is not fair or safe then we shouldn't go ahead with it. I realise everyone is in a different situation, some players need to travel with their children and families, so it will be a major problem for them if only one guest is permitted. I think we have to see the current situation from different points of view. DSD: Till the time a vaccine comes out, will players feel 100% safe while competing? Rajeev Ram: I don't see players feeling 100% safe without a vaccine because there would always be a risk of contracting the virus. The virus is so contagious and in any kind of sport, athletes are always in close contact with their peers, whether it be on the field or in the locker rooms, there is just no way around it. There is always going to be a risk without a vaccine. I don't think the US Open or any event will take place if a certain number of players feel uncomfortable or unsafe while playing. DSD: I was speaking to Daniel Nestor and he felt that it is going to be tough physically to play best of five sets at the US Open after such a long layoff where not many have held a racket. A best of three has been mooted, same for all formats. Where do you stand on this? Rajeev Ram: It doesn't affect me as much because I'm not a singles player any more, but if I were competing in the event, I would be fine with matches being reduced to best of three sets. There are going to be a few adjustments that all players are going to have to make and I completely agree with Daniel Nestor's point that players are not going to be conditioned to play five sets after such a long break. It's going to be tough for players to play at full capacity after this layoff. DSD: There is also the question of goodbyes. Take the Bryan brothers - Bob and Mike - for instance, legends of the sport and American sporting icons. This would have been their last hurrah and for sentimental reasons, they deserve one big sendoff. Rajeev Ram: They deserve whatever farewell they want. They are simply the greatest men's doubles pairing of all time. However this just shows you the power of the pandemic, it doesn't care about sentiments. I hope the Bryan brothers stick around and get an opportunity to play another US Open so that they are able to get a proper send-off, which they deserve. I also think this is going to be a significant chapter in the history of the sport, it might be a turning point for many of the greats. DSD: If they manage to create this bio bubble which is being spoken about it will also be an opportunity to trial Federer's theory of merging both the men’s and women’s tours. Cincinnati plays both events simultaneously. Rajeev Ram: This is the perfect time for the authorities to trial Federer's theory of merging the tours. It is definitely going to be a massive logistical challenge, but if there was ever a time to test the merger, then it is now. DSD: Now through this period there have been hardships for lesser ranked players. Are you happy with the response of tennis bodies with the player fund that was created? Rajeev Ram: This is such a strange and unique situation. There is no rule book on how to handle this crisis, that is why we see many people unsure about how to act. I certainly feel that it is important to support the young players so that they don't lose the incentive to continue with tennis. We have a responsibility to help the next generation carry the sport forward. I can't imagine the plight of a 20-year-old player whose development will be halted because of this shutdown. This might have a long-lasting effect on their careers. DSD: Now there was a suggestion from former Wimbledon Champion Marion Bartoli about scrapping doubles events and boosting the prize money at challengers and lower levels. You have predominantly played doubles last few years and are world no 9 now. Is that statement uncalled for? Rajeev Ram: She's entitled to her opinion, however i completely disagree with it. I look at it from a totally different perspective. The majority of the amateur and club players in the world play doubles and the event has been an integral part of tennis since the sport was created. The doubles discipline actually complements the singles category since it is a team event, so it adds a lot of value to the sport. If doubles events are marketed in a better fashion, then they could be as popular as the singles game. In my opinion, scrapping the doubles events would be completely wrong. DSD: Not everyone can be a great singles player, in India, we have had some legendary doubles players from Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi to Rohan Bopanna and Sania Mirza. Fact remains that Federer's only Olympic gold came in doubles so it does require a whole lot of extra skills. Rajeev Ram: Doubles is an integral part of all the major events in tennis - Davis Cup, Fed Cup and now the ATP Cup. Some of the biggest stars in the sport plied their trade and made their name in the doubles format. People don't realise how much they would miss doubles events if they were to be scrapped. DSD: This break actually works out in Federer's favour doesn't it and even andy Murray’s as they will probably be able to recover from their surgeries. But you can't battle father time forever, can you? Rajeev Ram: I'm not sure if it does work out in Federer's favour. He isn't getting any younger. He's 38 now and the best chance he had to win another major was at Wimbledon, which was cancelled this year. It's difficult to say what impact it will have on his career, but he will have to make a call sooner rather than later. As for Serena, this break doesn't help her at all. I think she's ready to win every major and she will definitely look at this break as a lost opportunity. This hiatus might be able to buy Andy Murray a bit of time for his recovery, but no true competitor wants the sport disrupted like this. Murray has overcome injuries before and I'm sure he'll do it again. This period probably hurts some more than others but it affects everybody. DSD: For you as well, how does the Olympic postponement affect you.you won with Venus Williams in Rio and I was there when you beat Rohan Bopanna and Sania Mirza. Venus will be 41 next year and not a sure-shot contender to make the team while you as things stand. Rajeev Ram: It's a real shame. I was really looking forward to the Tokyo Olympics in 2020, but as I said before, some things are out of our control. There is a lot of time left for the postponed Olympics in 2021, I don't know who will be on the team, but I hope I get the opportunity to play. DSD: Lots of uncertainty over the Olympics as well, is it frustrating as players not to have a definite target ahead of you and do you see this being a trial and error process till we achieve some sort of normalcy? Rajeev Ram: Absolutely. As I said before, there is no rule-book to follow for this crisis. Some organisations are being cautious, others are being more aggressive, but no one really has the answers. I don't think there is any guarantee of the Olympics happening next year as well. If there is no vaccine available and there is a second wave of the virus in 2021, we could be in the same situation we find ourselves in right now. It is very frustrating for us athletes to not know when we will be able to compete again.

Rajeev Ram: US Open should not go ahead even if one player is unable to travel to New York

Gold medallist in Asian Games, Commonwealth Games and one of the finest pugilists in India, Vikas Krishan, in an exclusive interview with WION's Sports Editor, Digvijay Singh Deo, spoke about a lot of things ranging from training in lockdown, idea of quarantine camp for Olympic hopefuls, Tokyo Olympics and preparation for medal in the Games, change of weight-category, new SOPs for resumption and more.

Digvijay Singh Deo: Good to see you Vikas, how have you been through this period?

Vikas Krishan Yadav: These last few months have been very tough, not just for me but all sportspersons in India. It has been difficult to deal with the sudden change of schedule. We athletes are used to following a disciplined lifestyle which is centred around our training, so adjusting during this period has been a mental challenge as well.

DSD: I have been told that you are one of the few lucky ones to have managed to stay in shape during this period by training on your farm...

Vikas Krishan Yadav: Yes, I was training for about a month with a friend of mine, who was helping me&nbsp;with my workouts. However, he is no longer in Bhiwani and I haven't trained properly since he left. Now, my mindset has changed and I'm spending some quality time with my family. When I returned home after securing my Olympic quota, I was extremely motivated and training very hard for the 2020 games. But once the postponement decision was made, I lost a little bit of focus and now I will have to re-work my plan. When my training partner was here, I had undertaken advanced training for professional boxing. Once international travel resumes, I plan to go to the USA to fight professionally.

DSD: I was speaking to Vijender Singh last week and he felt that more than other sportspersons it is boxers like you who have been hit hard by the Olympic postponement.that the momentum you had built up right up to the qualifiers in Amman is now gone.

Vikas Krishan Yadav: I had trained for 6 months leading up to the Olympic qualifiers and was in good mental and physical shape for the 2020 games. However, this forced break has taken away that momentum and now we have to recalibrate. It is possible to regain your physical fitness in a matter of 3-4 weeks, that is the relatively easy part, but the real challenge is to get back that competitive mindset. I feel I will only be able to work on my mental conditioning once the national camps resume.

<img alt="Vikas Krishnan" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f5f41374-a01d-4db1-9996-dc3ddb658e14" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/dc-Cover-l918bpamcuf0adb6f16brlnfa4-20180831160545.Medi__0.jpeg" />

DSD: A&nbsp;lot of your teammates, in fact, have been inside the National Institute of Sports campus in Patiala, which has sort of becoming quarantine camp. Is it better to be in there safe from the virus or is it a sort of privileged house arrest?

Vikas Krishan Yadav: I feel it is a personal choice for the boxers. My family means a lot to me and I decided it would be right for me to spend some time with them during this crisis. But now it has been three months and there are times when I have regretted being here because I haven't been able to train properly for the Olympics. However, I believe that things rarely go as planned and there are always roadblocks. Ideally, I would have liked to spend about a month at home and then returned to the national camp, but now it has been three months since this lockdown. I would now prefer to return to the national camp as soon as possible. Although we still have to follow the health guidelines of the government. I will adhere to the instructions of the authorities, but hopefully, the national camps will resume as soon as possible.

DSD: One more year to prepare for Olympics Vikas, how do you change your preparation now. This changes your career road-map, you put your pro career on hold for the 2020 Olympics but how will you know to adjust between both?

Vikas Krishan Yadav: The best thing for me is that I have already secured a quote for the Olympics and I have 14 months to prepare for the games. So I have enough time to regain my skills and get back to the professional circuit. Pro boxing is completely different from amateur sport, it has made me a more tough competitor. Last year I fought at new york's madison square garden, one of the most iconic sporting arenas in the world. So many experiences in the professional circuit have given me more confidence. To use an analogy, if pro boxing is equivalent to the 10th grade, then amateur boxing is like the 5th grade. So competing in the pro circuit has benefited me greatly and I saw the results at the South Asian games, even though the competition level wasn't that high, I eased to the title. All my coaches and peers have noticed a considerable improvement and I feel that I have elevated my game. Boxing is an art, which includes defence and attack, I feel I have been successful in executing that art form recently.

DSD: I have known you since your junior days. The Olympics has been somewhat of an obsession for you, London was a bad memory and in Rio, you were almost there. How badly do you want it?

Vikas Krishan Yadav: It's not merely a dream, I am going to win the Olympic gold medal and I will settle for nothing less than that, nothing can stop me. If I am not able to achieve the feat, I will live in regret for the rest of my life and keep dwelling on 'what could have been'. It will drive me crazy. I will not leave any stone unturned for the Olympics. I realise I made some mistakes for the last games, but now I feel I have matured and am at the perfect stage in my career to win the gold. I have even reassured my coaches and told them- don't worry, I will win the Olympic gold. Pro boxing has made me a more confident boxer. There is no substitute for hard work.

<img alt="Vikas Krishnan" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="eaaadc13-58ca-494d-932d-4f97450ecd3d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_APH1243398.jpg" />

DSD: How has Vikas the boxer changed from the 2016 Olympics in Rio?

Vikas Krishan Yadav: This is a totally different version of Vikas Yadav. Just like the software operating systems get upgraded, I have also upgraded myself as a boxer and competitor in the last few years. Up until the Olympic qualifiers, I felt I was in top form and was the best version of myself as an athlete. Because of the break, I have lost a little bit of physical fitness, but I am confident I will be able to get in shape once the national camp resumes.

DSD: We have our best ever contingent in terms of numbers for the Olympics. &nbsp;I remember you telling me in Rio that to even qualify back then was like winning an Olympic medal, what has changed in Indian boxing in the last four years?

Vikas Krishan Yadav: The main factors have been the formation of the boxing federation of India and the change in the selection criteria. The national selection process has become more competitive in the last few years and has led to the growth of other Indian boxers. Earlier I was a little offended when I was also asked to be part of the trial process since I was the CWG gold medalist and Asian Games, medalist. However I realised that it could help me and the other Indian boxers, so I participated and eased through the trials.

DSD: What are the reasons for you changing your weight category so often in the last few years, now you have finally secured a quota in the 69kg event, how has that worked for you?

Vikas Krishan Yadav: I was very eager to compete in the 69kg category at the Rio Games as well, but my father pushed me to participate in the 75kg event. At the Rio Olympics, my weight was 71 kg when the tournament began, so I was fighting boxers who were much heavier than me. I felt it was an achievement to even reach the quarter-finals back then. I was never comfortable fighting in the 75kg event, it was only my father's wish.then my fellow boxer Neeraj Goyat convinced me to lose weight and prepare for the 69kg category, he made me believe that I could win the Olympic gold in that category. Even though I've won medals at the Asian games and commonwealth games in heavier weight categories, I don't want to take a chance at the Olympics, I want to give it all I've got in the 69kg event and overpower my opponents.

<img alt="Vikas Krishnan" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d3aa7415-b7b6-4206-bdff-f6d17f9e7eb4" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/remote%20%281%29.jpg" />

DSD: Let us talk about the road ahead now,&nbsp;you must have seen the new SOPs for resumption. How can boxers train without sparring?

Vikas Krishan Yadav: I haven't seen the guidelines, it is for the coaches and federation to evaluate the sops and then assess how training can resume. From my point of view, the boxing environment is the most important thing. An environment must be created for healthy, competitive training to drive my growth. It is difficult for me to train at home because that competitive environment is not there.

DSD: Isn't it important to be in a camp with 30-40 boxers, so that the competitive nature of the game is maintained...

Vikas Krishan Yadav: Absolutely. I haven't heard the word 'Olympics' in my house for the last three months, because mentally, I'm in a completely different space. Whereas when I'm in the camp, all I'm going to be thinking about is the Olympics. A boxer needs that constant healthy competition to maintain skill levels. The physical and mental training I undertake at the camp will be done with the single goal of winning the Olympic gold medal. 
&nbsp;

Gold medallist in Asian Games, Commonwealth Games and one of the finest pugilists in India, Vikas Krishan, in an exclusive interview with WION's Sports Editor, Digvijay Singh Deo, spoke about a lot of things ranging from training in lockdown, idea of quarantine camp for Olympic hopefuls, Tokyo Olympics and preparation for medal in the Games, change of weight-category, new SOPs for resumption and more.

Gold medallist in Asian Games, Commonwealth Games and one of the finest pugilists in India, Vikas Krishan, in an exclusive interview with WION's Sports Editor, Digvijay Singh Deo, spoke about a lot of things ranging from training in lockdown, idea of quarantine camp for Olympic hopefuls, Tokyo Olympics and preparation for medal in the Games, change of weight-category, new SOPs for resumption and more. Digvijay Singh Deo: Good to see you Vikas, how have you been through this period? Vikas Krishan Yadav: These last few months have been very tough, not just for me but all sportspersons in India. It has been difficult to deal with the sudden change of schedule. We athletes are used to following a disciplined lifestyle which is centred around our training, so adjusting during this period has been a mental challenge as well. DSD: I have been told that you are one of the few lucky ones to have managed to stay in shape during this period by training on your farm... Vikas Krishan Yadav: Yes, I was training for about a month with a friend of mine, who was helping me with my workouts. However, he is no longer in Bhiwani and I haven't trained properly since he left. Now, my mindset has changed and I'm spending some quality time with my family. When I returned home after securing my Olympic quota, I was extremely motivated and training very hard for the 2020 games. But once the postponement decision was made, I lost a little bit of focus and now I will have to re-work my plan. When my training partner was here, I had undertaken advanced training for professional boxing. Once international travel resumes, I plan to go to the USA to fight professionally. DSD: I was speaking to Vijender Singh last week and he felt that more than other sportspersons it is boxers like you who have been hit hard by the Olympic postponement.that the momentum you had built up right up to the qualifiers in Amman is now gone. Vikas Krishan Yadav: I had trained for 6 months leading up to the Olympic qualifiers and was in good mental and physical shape for the 2020 games. However, this forced break has taken away that momentum and now we have to recalibrate. It is possible to regain your physical fitness in a matter of 3-4 weeks, that is the relatively easy part, but the real challenge is to get back that competitive mindset. I feel I will only be able to work on my mental conditioning once the national camps resume. DSD: A lot of your teammates, in fact, have been inside the National Institute of Sports campus in Patiala, which has sort of becoming quarantine camp. Is it better to be in there safe from the virus or is it a sort of privileged house arrest? Vikas Krishan Yadav: I feel it is a personal choice for the boxers. My family means a lot to me and I decided it would be right for me to spend some time with them during this crisis. But now it has been three months and there are times when I have regretted being here because I haven't been able to train properly for the Olympics. However, I believe that things rarely go as planned and there are always roadblocks. Ideally, I would have liked to spend about a month at home and then returned to the national camp, but now it has been three months since this lockdown. I would now prefer to return to the national camp as soon as possible. Although we still have to follow the health guidelines of the government. I will adhere to the instructions of the authorities, but hopefully, the national camps will resume as soon as possible. DSD: One more year to prepare for Olympics Vikas, how do you change your preparation now. This changes your career road-map, you put your pro career on hold for the 2020 Olympics but how will you know to adjust between both? Vikas Krishan Yadav: The best thing for me is that I have already secured a quote for the Olympics and I have 14 months to prepare for the games. So I have enough time to regain my skills and get back to the professional circuit. Pro boxing is completely different from amateur sport, it has made me a more tough competitor. Last year I fought at new york's madison square garden, one of the most iconic sporting arenas in the world. So many experiences in the professional circuit have given me more confidence. To use an analogy, if pro boxing is equivalent to the 10th grade, then amateur boxing is like the 5th grade. So competing in the pro circuit has benefited me greatly and I saw the results at the South Asian games, even though the competition level wasn't that high, I eased to the title. All my coaches and peers have noticed a considerable improvement and I feel that I have elevated my game. Boxing is an art, which includes defence and attack, I feel I have been successful in executing that art form recently. DSD: I have known you since your junior days. The Olympics has been somewhat of an obsession for you, London was a bad memory and in Rio, you were almost there. How badly do you want it? Vikas Krishan Yadav: It's not merely a dream, I am going to win the Olympic gold medal and I will settle for nothing less than that, nothing can stop me. If I am not able to achieve the feat, I will live in regret for the rest of my life and keep dwelling on 'what could have been'. It will drive me crazy. I will not leave any stone unturned for the Olympics. I realise I made some mistakes for the last games, but now I feel I have matured and am at the perfect stage in my career to win the gold. I have even reassured my coaches and told them- don't worry, I will win the Olympic gold. Pro boxing has made me a more confident boxer. There is no substitute for hard work. DSD: How has Vikas the boxer changed from the 2016 Olympics in Rio? Vikas Krishan Yadav: This is a totally different version of Vikas Yadav. Just like the software operating systems get upgraded, I have also upgraded myself as a boxer and competitor in the last few years. Up until the Olympic qualifiers, I felt I was in top form and was the best version of myself as an athlete. Because of the break, I have lost a little bit of physical fitness, but I am confident I will be able to get in shape once the national camp resumes. DSD: We have our best ever contingent in terms of numbers for the Olympics. I remember you telling me in Rio that to even qualify back then was like winning an Olympic medal, what has changed in Indian boxing in the last four years? Vikas Krishan Yadav: The main factors have been the formation of the boxing federation of India and the change in the selection criteria. The national selection process has become more competitive in the last few years and has led to the growth of other Indian boxers. Earlier I was a little offended when I was also asked to be part of the trial process since I was the CWG gold medalist and Asian Games, medalist. However I realised that it could help me and the other Indian boxers, so I participated and eased through the trials. DSD: What are the reasons for you changing your weight category so often in the last few years, now you have finally secured a quota in the 69kg event, how has that worked for you? Vikas Krishan Yadav: I was very eager to compete in the 69kg category at the Rio Games as well, but my father pushed me to participate in the 75kg event. At the Rio Olympics, my weight was 71 kg when the tournament began, so I was fighting boxers who were much heavier than me. I felt it was an achievement to even reach the quarter-finals back then. I was never comfortable fighting in the 75kg event, it was only my father's wish.then my fellow boxer Neeraj Goyat convinced me to lose weight and prepare for the 69kg category, he made me believe that I could win the Olympic gold in that category. Even though I've won medals at the Asian games and commonwealth games in heavier weight categories, I don't want to take a chance at the Olympics, I want to give it all I've got in the 69kg event and overpower my opponents. DSD: Let us talk about the road ahead now, you must have seen the new SOPs for resumption. How can boxers train without sparring? Vikas Krishan Yadav: I haven't seen the guidelines, it is for the coaches and federation to evaluate the sops and then assess how training can resume. From my point of view, the boxing environment is the most important thing. An environment must be created for healthy, competitive training to drive my growth. It is difficult for me to train at home because that competitive environment is not there. DSD: Isn't it important to be in a camp with 30-40 boxers, so that the competitive nature of the game is maintained... Vikas Krishan Yadav: Absolutely. I haven't heard the word 'Olympics' in my house for the last three months, because mentally, I'm in a completely different space. Whereas when I'm in the camp, all I'm going to be thinking about is the Olympics. A boxer needs that constant healthy competition to maintain skill levels. The physical and mental training I undertake at the camp will be done with the single goal of winning the Olympic gold medal.

Vikas: Not winning the Olympic Gold will drive me crazy

One of the youngest stars of Indian sport and world no. 2 in Women’s 10-metre air pistol event in shooting, Manu Bhaker, in an exclusive interview with WION’s Sports Editor, Digvijay Singh Deo, spoke about things ranging from life in lockdown, technology in training, Tokyo Olympic postponement, bonding with Saurabh Chaudhary, idea of quarantine camp for Olympic hopefuls, and more.

Digvijay Singh Deo: How has life been for you Manu away from the hustle and bustle of Delhi that you had gotten used to over the last couple of years since you broke into the Indian team...

Manu Bhaker: I think I'm enjoying the lockdown here with my family. I do miss the shooting range, but not the hustle and bustle of Delhi, I'm delighted to be here in Charkhi Dadri.

DSD: So how have you been keeping yourself busy during this period, I imagine you must be using this time to catch up on your college studies.

Manu Bhaker: Yes, I love to study and have been doing that a lot lately. Apart from that, I'm also training regularly, so my shooting hasn't suffered to a great extent.

DSD: I was told that initially shooting was a bit of an issue, but you now have an electronic target installed and training has begun, how was that transition from a paper target to an electronic target?

Manu Bhaker: It was a massive relief when the electronic target was installed at home. It was a long wait, but I'm delighted that I now have access to technology. I'm definitely more comfortable shooting with an electronic target, as compared to a paper target. The paper target scores are also accurate, but I prefer using the electronic one.

DSD: What is your thought process at the moment while shooting. Is it just to maintain your skill levels and stay in touch with the game?

Manu Bhaker: I am working on a few weaknesses in my game, apart from that I'm just trying to train the same way i used to before the lockdown. I'm trying to cope with the situation in the best way I can and hopefully, there won't be a drop in the level of my performances in the future.

<img alt="Manu Bhaker" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b107f960-c3ba-4758-b574-a550948d6105" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_18F90E.jpg" />

DSD: What are the issues you have been working on, has this break given you an opportunity to improve certain aspects of your game?

Manu Bhaker: I haven't been home for such an extended period of time in the last three years. In a way that has given me time to work on my fundamentals- my balance, stability and follow through.&nbsp;

DSD: You must have been in touch with your coaches through this period. What has coach Jaspal Rana been telling you and how regularly are you staying in touch with him and the rest.

Manu Bhaker: Yes, I have communicated with him during this period whenever I have needed any assistance, but we aren't in touch on a daily basis.

DSD: You just turned 18 a short while back, but you have already won so much in your sport. Considering the fantastic year you had in 2018 and 2019, how did you react to the Olympic postponement, did you feel like you could win the gold for India?

Manu Bhaker: That's a tricky question. I was certainly in good form leading up to the games, but so were many other shooters. I felt like I was mentally prepared for the event to take place in 2020 and it was very disappointing for me when the postponement announcement was made, but I realise that there was no other option available to the international Olympic committee. Health has to take priority over everything else. We will get chances in the future to represent India at the games and hopefully, we will be able to maintain our performance levels.

DSD: How do you refocus now with the Olympics 14 months away, do you think it gives you a chance to expand on your shooting knowledge or is it wiser not to change things right now and continue with what was working for you.

Manu Bhaker: I'm just going with the flow. I don't think I need to bring in substantial changes to my game, I'm satisfied with my equipment as well. I was extremely excited about the events leading up to the original 2020 Olympics- the Munich World Cup, Delhi World Cup and various test events. It would have been an opportunity for me to gear up for the games. Those events were obviously cancelled and the shooting calendar has been almost wiped out, however, I don't see any reason to make considerable changes to my game during this enforced break.

DSD: Its been a meteoric rise since you won that gold in Mexico and the thing I have noticed with you is this love for competition and also winning. Right now there is no competition scheduled till the end of the year. So how do you compensate for the lack of action?

Manu Bhaker: I'm not really craving for competition at the moment, so I'm not undertaking high-intensity training sessions right now. I'm just trying to maintain my form. Before the lockdown, I used to train for 8-10 hours a day at the Karni Singh shooting range in Delhi, whereas now that time has reduced to four hours a day on an average. This will also enable me to recover from my niggles and injuries and put me in the best position to perform at a high level when international events resume.

DSD: Now ever since you picked up the gun you have been shooting non-stop, how frustrating has this hiatus been for you considering it has now almost been three months.

Manu Bhaker: I just can't wait for this lockdown period to get over. I am eagerly waiting for the health situation to improve and the national camps to begin so that I can return to some sort of normalcy.

<img alt="Manu Bhaker" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f4de107d-0560-4ef4-aac1-05d42685eafa" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_18F90I.jpg" />

DSD: You have been shooting some of these online competitions. Does it give you that same rush of shooting a proper event because where is the pressure, where is the drama that only competition can give?

Manu Bhaker: Online competitions definitely help in maintaining your skills. I would say that the pressure of competing in the same and there is still a desire to win. However, because there are no ranking points on the line and no medals up for grabs, it does affect your approach to the event. I've participated in a few of these competitions but I have missed a few of late since I have been busier with my college work.

DSD: A&nbsp;lot of your fellow Olympic quota winners are pretty young. Have you been in touch with any of them and how are they coping?

Manu Bhaker: I haven't really had the opportunity to be in touch with them since I have mostly been busy with my shooting training and college work.

DSD: A&nbsp;lot of your success in world shooting has also come in the mixed event. Now usually in a team sport, you depend on your partner, here the dynamics are different but yet you and Sourabh Chaudhary have sort of mastered this event.

Manu Bhaker: I just focus on my performance. I have faith in his ability, but I approach the mixed event the same way i approach an individual event and that has seemed to work for me so far.

DSD: Were you surprised with the level of domination you and Sourabh Chaudhary had in the mixed event in the World Cups.

Manu Bhaker: We shot world record scores at the Delhi World Cup, Asian Championships and the Munich World Cup last year. Even at the Rio World Cup, we made a brilliant comeback to win the title. It is truly remarkable that we won all four ISSF World Cup mixed team titles last year and I'm thrilled about it. It is difficult for me to put in words how delighted I am.

DSD: Now the thing I have noticed is that you are more of an extrovert than Saurabh who hardly speaks at all. So how do team dynamics work here?

Manu Bhaker: There is hardly any communication between us. We sometimes don't even greet each other when we meet, but that is how the dynamic is and both of us are comfortable with that. He and I are different individuals, but there is no problem with the team. Even when we set the world record, there was hardly any conversation between the two of us. In fact, I haven't seen Saurabh talk to anyone in the shooing team. He is an introvert and that's just the way it is.

<img alt="Manu Bhaker" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d66909bb-15eb-47ea-a359-6c5be49fc257" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_13T02I_0.jpg" />

DSD: You have achieved a lot in your career at such a young age, but it's nice to see that it hasn't changed how you are as a person, you always have your India colours on at public gatherings.

Manu Bhaker: I love my country and its people. Even in most of the functions, i prefer wearing my Team India attire. I have worn a dress at very few gatherings, only when the occasion requires me to do so.

DSD: Will you be thinking of moving to a national camp soon or do you think it is safer for you to continue training at home?

Manu Bhaker: Given the current situation, I definitely think it would be safer to stay home and train. If the camps are organised, they would probably be in Delhi or Bhopal, where the number of coronavirus cases is very high. So at the moment, I am happy to train at home.

DSD: When do you think you will feel comfortable in attending a national camp?

Manu Bhaker: I think no player will feel safe in attending a national camp till the coronavirus is contained to a considerable extent. Players will not be able to focus on their game if they are constantly worried about their health and safety. Players have to be free of mental anguish to be able to train at a high level.

DSD: There has been talk of the NRAI organising a quarantine camp where everyone stays at one place and trains with limited interaction, would you be comfortable in an environment like that?

Manu Bhaker: The idea of a quarantine camp does sound encouraging, but even in that environment, there will be people who will be moving in and out of the area, which could possibly be a danger.

DSD: At some point, do you feel like you will have to take some sort of a risk and head out to a camp, especially when the Olympics are approaching...

Manu Bhaker: If the federation does organise a camp, I hope it is only for the Olympic quota holders. We have to ensure that there are a minimum number of people in these camps so that the risk of the virus spreading is mitigated.

DSD: Do you think the NRAI&nbsp;should declare the Olympic team now so that all of you can be relaxed and focus...

Manu Bhaker: I firmly believe that the team should be announced because it would give us shooters some clarity and help us prepare better for the games. All us shooters are just waiting for the team to be announced and it will be a big relief for everyone involved. Mentally as well, it will be reassuring and will give a direction to our plans for the Tokyo Olympics.

One of the youngest stars of Indian sport and world no. 2 in Women’s 10-metre air pistol event in shooting, Manu Bhaker, in an exclusive interview with WION’s Sports Editor, Digvijay Singh Deo, spoke about things ranging from life in lockdown, technology in training, Tokyo Olympic postponement, bonding with Saurabh Chaudhary, idea of quarantine camp for Olympic hopefuls, and more.

One of the youngest stars of Indian sport and world no. 2 in Women’s 10-metre air pistol event in shooting, Manu Bhaker, in an exclusive interview with WION’s Sports Editor, Digvijay Singh Deo, spoke about things ranging from life in lockdown, technology in training, Tokyo Olympic postponement, bonding with Saurabh Chaudhary, idea of quarantine camp for Olympic hopefuls, and more. Digvijay Singh Deo: How has life been for you Manu away from the hustle and bustle of Delhi that you had gotten used to over the last couple of years since you broke into the Indian team... Manu Bhaker: I think I'm enjoying the lockdown here with my family. I do miss the shooting range, but not the hustle and bustle of Delhi, I'm delighted to be here in Charkhi Dadri. DSD: So how have you been keeping yourself busy during this period, I imagine you must be using this time to catch up on your college studies. Manu Bhaker: Yes, I love to study and have been doing that a lot lately. Apart from that, I'm also training regularly, so my shooting hasn't suffered to a great extent. DSD: I was told that initially shooting was a bit of an issue, but you now have an electronic target installed and training has begun, how was that transition from a paper target to an electronic target? Manu Bhaker: It was a massive relief when the electronic target was installed at home. It was a long wait, but I'm delighted that I now have access to technology. I'm definitely more comfortable shooting with an electronic target, as compared to a paper target. The paper target scores are also accurate, but I prefer using the electronic one. DSD: What is your thought process at the moment while shooting. Is it just to maintain your skill levels and stay in touch with the game? Manu Bhaker: I am working on a few weaknesses in my game, apart from that I'm just trying to train the same way i used to before the lockdown. I'm trying to cope with the situation in the best way I can and hopefully, there won't be a drop in the level of my performances in the future. DSD: What are the issues you have been working on, has this break given you an opportunity to improve certain aspects of your game? Manu Bhaker: I haven't been home for such an extended period of time in the last three years. In a way that has given me time to work on my fundamentals- my balance, stability and follow through. DSD: You must have been in touch with your coaches through this period. What has coach Jaspal Rana been telling you and how regularly are you staying in touch with him and the rest. Manu Bhaker: Yes, I have communicated with him during this period whenever I have needed any assistance, but we aren't in touch on a daily basis. DSD: You just turned 18 a short while back, but you have already won so much in your sport. Considering the fantastic year you had in 2018 and 2019, how did you react to the Olympic postponement, did you feel like you could win the gold for India? Manu Bhaker: That's a tricky question. I was certainly in good form leading up to the games, but so were many other shooters. I felt like I was mentally prepared for the event to take place in 2020 and it was very disappointing for me when the postponement announcement was made, but I realise that there was no other option available to the international Olympic committee. Health has to take priority over everything else. We will get chances in the future to represent India at the games and hopefully, we will be able to maintain our performance levels. DSD: How do you refocus now with the Olympics 14 months away, do you think it gives you a chance to expand on your shooting knowledge or is it wiser not to change things right now and continue with what was working for you. Manu Bhaker: I'm just going with the flow. I don't think I need to bring in substantial changes to my game, I'm satisfied with my equipment as well. I was extremely excited about the events leading up to the original 2020 Olympics- the Munich World Cup, Delhi World Cup and various test events. It would have been an opportunity for me to gear up for the games. Those events were obviously cancelled and the shooting calendar has been almost wiped out, however, I don't see any reason to make considerable changes to my game during this enforced break. DSD: Its been a meteoric rise since you won that gold in Mexico and the thing I have noticed with you is this love for competition and also winning. Right now there is no competition scheduled till the end of the year. So how do you compensate for the lack of action? Manu Bhaker: I'm not really craving for competition at the moment, so I'm not undertaking high-intensity training sessions right now. I'm just trying to maintain my form. Before the lockdown, I used to train for 8-10 hours a day at the Karni Singh shooting range in Delhi, whereas now that time has reduced to four hours a day on an average. This will also enable me to recover from my niggles and injuries and put me in the best position to perform at a high level when international events resume. DSD: Now ever since you picked up the gun you have been shooting non-stop, how frustrating has this hiatus been for you considering it has now almost been three months. Manu Bhaker: I just can't wait for this lockdown period to get over. I am eagerly waiting for the health situation to improve and the national camps to begin so that I can return to some sort of normalcy. DSD: You have been shooting some of these online competitions. Does it give you that same rush of shooting a proper event because where is the pressure, where is the drama that only competition can give? Manu Bhaker: Online competitions definitely help in maintaining your skills. I would say that the pressure of competing in the same and there is still a desire to win. However, because there are no ranking points on the line and no medals up for grabs, it does affect your approach to the event. I've participated in a few of these competitions but I have missed a few of late since I have been busier with my college work. DSD: A lot of your fellow Olympic quota winners are pretty young. Have you been in touch with any of them and how are they coping? Manu Bhaker: I haven't really had the opportunity to be in touch with them since I have mostly been busy with my shooting training and college work. DSD: A lot of your success in world shooting has also come in the mixed event. Now usually in a team sport, you depend on your partner, here the dynamics are different but yet you and Sourabh Chaudhary have sort of mastered this event. Manu Bhaker: I just focus on my performance. I have faith in his ability, but I approach the mixed event the same way i approach an individual event and that has seemed to work for me so far. DSD: Were you surprised with the level of domination you and Sourabh Chaudhary had in the mixed event in the World Cups. Manu Bhaker: We shot world record scores at the Delhi World Cup, Asian Championships and the Munich World Cup last year. Even at the Rio World Cup, we made a brilliant comeback to win the title. It is truly remarkable that we won all four ISSF World Cup mixed team titles last year and I'm thrilled about it. It is difficult for me to put in words how delighted I am. DSD: Now the thing I have noticed is that you are more of an extrovert than Saurabh who hardly speaks at all. So how do team dynamics work here? Manu Bhaker: There is hardly any communication between us. We sometimes don't even greet each other when we meet, but that is how the dynamic is and both of us are comfortable with that. He and I are different individuals, but there is no problem with the team. Even when we set the world record, there was hardly any conversation between the two of us. In fact, I haven't seen Saurabh talk to anyone in the shooing team. He is an introvert and that's just the way it is. DSD: You have achieved a lot in your career at such a young age, but it's nice to see that it hasn't changed how you are as a person, you always have your India colours on at public gatherings. Manu Bhaker: I love my country and its people. Even in most of the functions, i prefer wearing my Team India attire. I have worn a dress at very few gatherings, only when the occasion requires me to do so. DSD: Will you be thinking of moving to a national camp soon or do you think it is safer for you to continue training at home? Manu Bhaker: Given the current situation, I definitely think it would be safer to stay home and train. If the camps are organised, they would probably be in Delhi or Bhopal, where the number of coronavirus cases is very high. So at the moment, I am happy to train at home. DSD: When do you think you will feel comfortable in attending a national camp? Manu Bhaker: I think no player will feel safe in attending a national camp till the coronavirus is contained to a considerable extent. Players will not be able to focus on their game if they are constantly worried about their health and safety. Players have to be free of mental anguish to be able to train at a high level. DSD: There has been talk of the NRAI organising a quarantine camp where everyone stays at one place and trains with limited interaction, would you be comfortable in an environment like that? Manu Bhaker: The idea of a quarantine camp does sound encouraging, but even in that environment, there will be people who will be moving in and out of the area, which could possibly be a danger. DSD: At some point, do you feel like you will have to take some sort of a risk and head out to a camp, especially when the Olympics are approaching... Manu Bhaker: If the federation does organise a camp, I hope it is only for the Olympic quota holders. We have to ensure that there are a minimum number of people in these camps so that the risk of the virus spreading is mitigated. DSD: Do you think the NRAI should declare the Olympic team now so that all of you can be relaxed and focus... Manu Bhaker: I firmly believe that the team should be announced because it would give us shooters some clarity and help us prepare better for the games. All us shooters are just waiting for the team to be announced and it will be a big relief for everyone involved. Mentally as well, it will be reassuring and will give a direction to our plans for the Tokyo Olympics.

Manu Bhaker: No player will feel safe at a camp at the moment

Former Commonwealth Games gold medalist and current shooting high-performance manager, Ronak Pandit, in an exclusive interview with WION's Sports Editor, Digvijay Singh Deo, spoke about life in lockdown, SAI's SOPs, how Indian shooters can regain momentum, Tokyo Olympics and roadmap for 2024 Olympics, how shooting can come back to life ahead of 2021 Games and much more.

Digvijay Singh Deo: Ronak,&nbsp;how has life in the lockdown been for you in Pune, would have preferred to be at your family home in Mumbai or is this better?

Ronak Pandit: I think the lockdown hasn't been easy for anyone. Fortunately, I got back home to my wife, Heena Sidhu, just two days before the lockdown started. This period has actually been a blessing in disguise because it has given us time to reflect and introspect, which we are otherwise not able to do because of our busy schedules.

DSD: You have always been a very energetic chap so I am curious to know how you would have reacted to being indoors for such a long period...

Ronak Pandit: I think one of the virtues that shooting teaches us is patience and now is the time to make use of it. Heena and I have been channelling our energy and been putting it to some constructive use. There has been a major change in our schedule as well, we go to sleep by about 9-9:30 pm and wake up at 4:30 am. We have changed our routine and used our time to do something productive. Heena has been training as well, we are working on some technical aspects of her game, which we otherwise wouldn't have had time to address. We keep complaining about the high number of tournaments in the calendar, so now is the time to go back to the drawing board and work on the fundamentals of the sport.

<img alt="Ronak Pandit and Heena Sidhu" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b8d24e52-b999-4a45-9906-e2c844820edd" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_13V5NS.jpg" />

DSD: Now with the SOPs gradually coming out for the resumption of sport you will probably have to coordinate between coaches and shooters to come up with a road-map for Tokyo 2021.

Ronak Pandit: Yes, we've had at least six meetings with the federation, the Sports Authority of India, coaches and players on the road-map for the future. I think this is an unprecedented crisis and there is a lot of uncertainty with regard to the coronavirus. No one really knows when we will be able to return to our normal lives and there is also a possibility of a second wave in the near future. So we have prepared three contingency plans in place and have been coordinating regularly with the various stakeholders of the game. We have also ensured that top shooters have access to the necessary equipment which allows them to set up temporary ranges at home. Hence the shooters will be able to keep in touch with the game on some level and they will find it easier to return to their peak when things open up.

DSD: I'm going to ask you a direct question, is it possible for Indian shooting to regain momentum for the Olympics. We were looking at a possible medal haul of around 3-5 medals had the Olympics been held as per schedule, so how big a hit is this break for Indian shooting?

Ronak Pandit: I think it's a huge setback, not only for Indian shooting but for everyone else in the world. It's like working on a very important presentation on your laptop and suddenly it crashes. Then you have no option but to start from scratch. However I believe that we have dealt with the situation in the best possible way, we are relatively better prepared than most other countries. As Indians, we are used to constantly adapting to the changing circumstances.we have never achieved anything the easy way and that has taught us to always find a solution to the problem. We have been in constant communication with the shooters, so they know what is in the pipeline. We have been conducting weekly training sessions with them and tracking their scores in some of the online competitions. We haven't created a very hectic schedule, as it is also important for them to get some downtime. The tables have completely turned because earlier shooters used to complain about their lack of rest because of the gruelling schedule, but now there is no competition on the cards. It is difficult for shooters to keep their motivation levels high with nothing to work towards, but overall they have dealt well with the crisis.

DSD: Both Manavjit Sandhu and Abhinav Bindra seemed to suggest that it is the more experienced and older athletes who will negotiate this period better. Most of the Indian Olympic quota holders are all first-timers. Is that a big worry and what is the way around it?

Ronak Pandit: I would actually look at it differently. The experienced shooters are used to a certain calendar every year, their body and mind are tuned to that annual schedule which has been built over many years, so this sudden break will affect them to a great extent. Whereas the younger generation, who has been competing internationally for just two years, is untroubled. This break doesn't really matter to them because they just want to compete and win medals at the highest level, whether that be tomorrow or next year. Our young shooters have dominated the sport recently and they are fearless. They are full of energy and just desperate to be at the Olympics. So their enthusiasm is their biggest advantage. Their hunger has not been diminished by this break and they are still headed in the right direction. The theory might suggest that the older ones will deal with this crisis better, but personally I fell the young shooters are better equipped to overcome this roadblock.

<img alt="HEENA SIDHU AND MANU BHAKER" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9c2aa09d-da58-469d-87f5-552e101bbaec" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_13T062.jpg" />

DSD: Just from experience Ronak, shooting should be a sport that is easy to resume as it is highly individualised while social distancing is also easy to enforce.

Ronak Pandit: Absolutely, I don't see any major reason not to resume training or competitions anytime soon. Shooters can occupy alternate lanes at ranges and the intervals between relays can be increased so that one batch has enough time to vacate the premises before the next group arrives. The number of participants in an event will have to be reduced and if some other policy tweaks are made, then we should be back competing very soon. There is no contact and no sharing of equipment, so the risk of transmission is minimal in the sport.

DSD: Is it time for tough decisions in your sport. Does the NRAI need to prioritise the Olympic team for the next 6 months and forget about everyone else till a vaccine is found? It's not ideal but you can't have 10,000 people at nationals.

Ronak Pandit: I think we have to be more far-sighted in our planning. We cannot just prepare the 15 shooters for the 2021 Tokyo Olympics and ignore the other shooting talent in the country. The quota places for the next Olympics will be up for grabs just 6 months after the Tokyo Games and we must have a plan that ensures we succeed in the long term and not just at the 2021 games. Obviously we don't need to focus on 10,000 shooters but I also see no reason to only use our resources for the development of 15 shooters. I think we can easily work with about the top 150 shooters at this point. If the lockdown continues into June and July, we have identified shooting ranges which are near to the shooters' respective houses all over the country and made special provisions for them to train. We have also made it possible for the 10-metre event shooters to set up a facility at their houses. If we work with a larger pool of shooters, it will considerably improve our chances of maintaining high levels of performance in the future.

DSD: Will the logistics be the bigger problem now, getting everyone together, interaction with coaches. A big takeaway from Rio debacle was the need to constantly monitor athletes. Does it make sense to organise isolated camps for shooters from different events?

Ronak Pandit: Right now the interaction between the shooters and coaches is limited to online video conferences. Once movement is allowed, we will have to mobilise the shooters at one location for training. We are trying to decide on the venue of these camps because it will also take time for us to figure out the logistics. I don't think it will be possible for us to hold separate camps for different events because the coaches have to supervise shooters at all times, otherwise there is no point of holding the camp. We are hoping to get these camps up and running in early August.

DSD: As someone mandated to keep tabs on high performance, how do you ensure shooters maintain their competitive edge without any competition...

Ronak Pandit: If we are able to start our training camps in August, then I feel we will have enough time to get our shooters ready for the Olympics. At the moment, we are only focussing on the Olympics and not any other competition, so we don't need our shooters to reach their peak in say, December. Once we get back to the camps, &nbsp;the coaches will decide which shooters will begin competition preparation after a certain point of time, it is a long process. It will take time for the players to get back in the zone. I think it will be better for shooters to work on the basics in the first few months, when some minor goal-oriented training can take place. I have no doubt in my mind that if we start training in august, then by December our shooters will be close to their peak.

DSD: Now NRAI had a selection policy in place. But can rankings of 2018 be taken to select a team for an event in 2021? Should there not be a revised policy now?

Ronak Pandit: I think the existing policy got us some great results and we definitely had the best possible team for the original 2020 Olympics. However, after the postponement, we do need to take another look at the criteria to ensure the best team goes to the 2021 games. It is also a moral question, because the 15 shooters that were in line to compete at the 2020 games, had proven themselves at the highest level over the last few years and thoroughly deserved their spot in the team. So in that sense, it is difficult to question their merit. But the fact is that a lot can change in the space of 6 months to a year. We have seen so many shooters excel at major events in a particular year and then suffer a meltdown the next year. I think that the original 15 shooters should be given all the support they need by the NRAI, but the federation should also keep an eye on the performance of the other shooters. That is the suggestion I have given to the NRAI. If those 15 shooters are still the best in January or February 2021, then that should be the final team. At the end of the day, the best shooters should represent India at the Olympics.

<img alt="Saurabh Chaudhary and Abhishek Verma" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="75ec19a3-d4f6-446c-bf7a-5bccfd1ddb2a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_18I253.jpg" />

DSD: Shooting is in a great position because more than 95 per cent of the Olympic berths have been secured. Considering social distancing and quarantine regulations, should the field be limited at events next year leading up to the Olympics. Maybe 2 member teams per event like we see at the Commonwealth Games.

Ronak Pandit: Absolutely. I believe only those shooters who have qualified for the Olympics should be allowed to participate in the events leading up to the games. There will be some major changes that will need to take place in the 2021 events as well for competitions to take place. We might have to conduct competitions simultaneously in safe zones and ISSF observers could monitor the scores at these events to ensure fair-play. Overall, we must adapt to the circumstances otherwise I see 2021 also being a washout year for shooting. 
&nbsp;

Former Commonwealth Games gold medalist and current shooting high-performance manager, Ronak Pandit, in an exclusive interview with WION's Sports Editor, Digvijay Singh Deo, spoke about life in lockdown, SAI's SOPs, how Indian shooters can regain momentum, Tokyo Olympics and roadmap for 2024 Olympics, how shooting can come back to life ahead of 2021 Games and much more.

Former Commonwealth Games gold medalist and current shooting high-performance manager, Ronak Pandit, in an exclusive interview with WION's Sports Editor, Digvijay Singh Deo, spoke about life in lockdown, SAI's SOPs, how Indian shooters can regain momentum, Tokyo Olympics and roadmap for 2024 Olympics, how shooting can come back to life ahead of 2021 Games and much more. Digvijay Singh Deo: Ronak, how has life in the lockdown been for you in Pune, would have preferred to be at your family home in Mumbai or is this better? Ronak Pandit: I think the lockdown hasn't been easy for anyone. Fortunately, I got back home to my wife, Heena Sidhu, just two days before the lockdown started. This period has actually been a blessing in disguise because it has given us time to reflect and introspect, which we are otherwise not able to do because of our busy schedules. DSD: You have always been a very energetic chap so I am curious to know how you would have reacted to being indoors for such a long period... Ronak Pandit: I think one of the virtues that shooting teaches us is patience and now is the time to make use of it. Heena and I have been channelling our energy and been putting it to some constructive use. There has been a major change in our schedule as well, we go to sleep by about 9-9:30 pm and wake up at 4:30 am. We have changed our routine and used our time to do something productive. Heena has been training as well, we are working on some technical aspects of her game, which we otherwise wouldn't have had time to address. We keep complaining about the high number of tournaments in the calendar, so now is the time to go back to the drawing board and work on the fundamentals of the sport. DSD: Now with the SOPs gradually coming out for the resumption of sport you will probably have to coordinate between coaches and shooters to come up with a road-map for Tokyo 2021. Ronak Pandit: Yes, we've had at least six meetings with the federation, the Sports Authority of India, coaches and players on the road-map for the future. I think this is an unprecedented crisis and there is a lot of uncertainty with regard to the coronavirus. No one really knows when we will be able to return to our normal lives and there is also a possibility of a second wave in the near future. So we have prepared three contingency plans in place and have been coordinating regularly with the various stakeholders of the game. We have also ensured that top shooters have access to the necessary equipment which allows them to set up temporary ranges at home. Hence the shooters will be able to keep in touch with the game on some level and they will find it easier to return to their peak when things open up. DSD: I'm going to ask you a direct question, is it possible for Indian shooting to regain momentum for the Olympics. We were looking at a possible medal haul of around 3-5 medals had the Olympics been held as per schedule, so how big a hit is this break for Indian shooting? Ronak Pandit: I think it's a huge setback, not only for Indian shooting but for everyone else in the world. It's like working on a very important presentation on your laptop and suddenly it crashes. Then you have no option but to start from scratch. However I believe that we have dealt with the situation in the best possible way, we are relatively better prepared than most other countries. As Indians, we are used to constantly adapting to the changing circumstances.we have never achieved anything the easy way and that has taught us to always find a solution to the problem. We have been in constant communication with the shooters, so they know what is in the pipeline. We have been conducting weekly training sessions with them and tracking their scores in some of the online competitions. We haven't created a very hectic schedule, as it is also important for them to get some downtime. The tables have completely turned because earlier shooters used to complain about their lack of rest because of the gruelling schedule, but now there is no competition on the cards. It is difficult for shooters to keep their motivation levels high with nothing to work towards, but overall they have dealt well with the crisis. DSD: Both Manavjit Sandhu and Abhinav Bindra seemed to suggest that it is the more experienced and older athletes who will negotiate this period better. Most of the Indian Olympic quota holders are all first-timers. Is that a big worry and what is the way around it? Ronak Pandit: I would actually look at it differently. The experienced shooters are used to a certain calendar every year, their body and mind are tuned to that annual schedule which has been built over many years, so this sudden break will affect them to a great extent. Whereas the younger generation, who has been competing internationally for just two years, is untroubled. This break doesn't really matter to them because they just want to compete and win medals at the highest level, whether that be tomorrow or next year. Our young shooters have dominated the sport recently and they are fearless. They are full of energy and just desperate to be at the Olympics. So their enthusiasm is their biggest advantage. Their hunger has not been diminished by this break and they are still headed in the right direction. The theory might suggest that the older ones will deal with this crisis better, but personally I fell the young shooters are better equipped to overcome this roadblock. DSD: Just from experience Ronak, shooting should be a sport that is easy to resume as it is highly individualised while social distancing is also easy to enforce. Ronak Pandit: Absolutely, I don't see any major reason not to resume training or competitions anytime soon. Shooters can occupy alternate lanes at ranges and the intervals between relays can be increased so that one batch has enough time to vacate the premises before the next group arrives. The number of participants in an event will have to be reduced and if some other policy tweaks are made, then we should be back competing very soon. There is no contact and no sharing of equipment, so the risk of transmission is minimal in the sport. DSD: Is it time for tough decisions in your sport. Does the NRAI need to prioritise the Olympic team for the next 6 months and forget about everyone else till a vaccine is found? It's not ideal but you can't have 10,000 people at nationals. Ronak Pandit: I think we have to be more far-sighted in our planning. We cannot just prepare the 15 shooters for the 2021 Tokyo Olympics and ignore the other shooting talent in the country. The quota places for the next Olympics will be up for grabs just 6 months after the Tokyo Games and we must have a plan that ensures we succeed in the long term and not just at the 2021 games. Obviously we don't need to focus on 10,000 shooters but I also see no reason to only use our resources for the development of 15 shooters. I think we can easily work with about the top 150 shooters at this point. If the lockdown continues into June and July, we have identified shooting ranges which are near to the shooters' respective houses all over the country and made special provisions for them to train. We have also made it possible for the 10-metre event shooters to set up a facility at their houses. If we work with a larger pool of shooters, it will considerably improve our chances of maintaining high levels of performance in the future. DSD: Will the logistics be the bigger problem now, getting everyone together, interaction with coaches. A big takeaway from Rio debacle was the need to constantly monitor athletes. Does it make sense to organise isolated camps for shooters from different events? Ronak Pandit: Right now the interaction between the shooters and coaches is limited to online video conferences. Once movement is allowed, we will have to mobilise the shooters at one location for training. We are trying to decide on the venue of these camps because it will also take time for us to figure out the logistics. I don't think it will be possible for us to hold separate camps for different events because the coaches have to supervise shooters at all times, otherwise there is no point of holding the camp. We are hoping to get these camps up and running in early August. DSD: As someone mandated to keep tabs on high performance, how do you ensure shooters maintain their competitive edge without any competition... Ronak Pandit: If we are able to start our training camps in August, then I feel we will have enough time to get our shooters ready for the Olympics. At the moment, we are only focussing on the Olympics and not any other competition, so we don't need our shooters to reach their peak in say, December. Once we get back to the camps, the coaches will decide which shooters will begin competition preparation after a certain point of time, it is a long process. It will take time for the players to get back in the zone. I think it will be better for shooters to work on the basics in the first few months, when some minor goal-oriented training can take place. I have no doubt in my mind that if we start training in august, then by December our shooters will be close to their peak. DSD: Now NRAI had a selection policy in place. But can rankings of 2018 be taken to select a team for an event in 2021? Should there not be a revised policy now? Ronak Pandit: I think the existing policy got us some great results and we definitely had the best possible team for the original 2020 Olympics. However, after the postponement, we do need to take another look at the criteria to ensure the best team goes to the 2021 games. It is also a moral question, because the 15 shooters that were in line to compete at the 2020 games, had proven themselves at the highest level over the last few years and thoroughly deserved their spot in the team. So in that sense, it is difficult to question their merit. But the fact is that a lot can change in the space of 6 months to a year. We have seen so many shooters excel at major events in a particular year and then suffer a meltdown the next year. I think that the original 15 shooters should be given all the support they need by the NRAI, but the federation should also keep an eye on the performance of the other shooters. That is the suggestion I have given to the NRAI. If those 15 shooters are still the best in January or February 2021, then that should be the final team. At the end of the day, the best shooters should represent India at the Olympics. DSD: Shooting is in a great position because more than 95 per cent of the Olympic berths have been secured. Considering social distancing and quarantine regulations, should the field be limited at events next year leading up to the Olympics. Maybe 2 member teams per event like we see at the Commonwealth Games. Ronak Pandit: Absolutely. I believe only those shooters who have qualified for the Olympics should be allowed to participate in the events leading up to the games. There will be some major changes that will need to take place in the 2021 events as well for competitions to take place. We might have to conduct competitions simultaneously in safe zones and ISSF observers could monitor the scores at these events to ensure fair-play. Overall, we must adapt to the circumstances otherwise I see 2021 also being a washout year for shooting.

Ronak Pandit: Tokyo postponement should not stop planning for 2024 Olympics

Eight-time Commonwealth Games and two-time Asian Game medalist, Indian table-tennis icon Achanta Sharath Kamal, in an exclusive interview with WION's Sports Editor, Digvijay Singh Deo, spoke about life in lockdown, future of table tennis, travelling abroad for tournaments after COVID-19 crisis, Tokyo Olympics, his medal-laden career, the concept of quarantine camp, and much more.

Digvijay Singh Deo: I must say Sharath, I have been seeing a lot of you addressing webinars through this crisis. Seems like you have been keeping busy.

Sharath Kamal: I feel it is the responsibility of the senior athletes to guide the others through these tough times, so I've been trying to help them through webinars. There is a lot of uncertainty and anxiety about the future and there is a need to motivate people and spread positive messages.

DSD: Has it been frustrating not being able to play and adjusting to this new phase?

Sharath Kamal: Yes, initially it was very frustrating. For the first week of the lockdown, I failed to accept the situation and hence found it very tough to deal with. It was very frustrating to not be able to go out and train. But then I realised that there is no point dwelling on the things that I cannot control. Now, I follow a training schedule with whatever resources I have and play a little bit of table tennis at my mother's house since there is a table at her place. Also, it was tough to deal with the postponement of the Tokyo Olympics, because I was in good form leading up to the games and my world ranking had improved to 31.

DSD: This forced break came at a crucial time for you when you were carrying some momentum and were going to take it into the Olympic qualifiers, in a way you have to start from scratch for the 2021 Olympics.

Sharath Kamal: The sportsperson's body is like a sports car. The moment you stop taking care of it, it gets rusty and doesn't perform. In terms of our preparation for the games, we have to go back to the drawing board, so it is a mental challenge as well. We will need a couple of months of training and a few matches under our belt to figure out what the best way is to prepare for the games. It is definitely going to be an uphill task. The only positive is that all the athletes around the world are in the same boat.

DSD: I did see some visuals of your teammate Sathiyan Gnanasekaran practising on a home table with a robot machine he had imported. Technology has been a boon through this process, be it communication or even playing.

Sharath Kamal: I feel one must find a way to keep in touch with the sport. There is a lot of skill involved in racket sports and a player must not lose the feel of the game. One must not allow skill levels to drop to a great extent, otherwise, it will be very tough for the player when the sport resumes. It is important to train, but high-level training is only possible when you have a goal in mind and something to work towards. As of now, there is no schedule of tournaments and we have no idea when the sport will resume.

DSD: For an elite player like you, how long do you think it will take to return to peak match fitness?

Sharath Kamal: I have been participating in webinars with some fitness experts, and they believe that it will take athletes at least 3 months to regain even 80% of their mental and physical fitness. This is an unprecedented crisis and no one really has concrete answers. In the past, I have been out of action for six months due to injury, but that situation was completely different because I was working on rehabilitation and had a goal to work towards. This period is just filled with uncertainty.

<img alt="Achanta Sharath Kamal" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="03a22508-9390-4c4c-b3c8-b759e5b113b6" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_18Q65C.jpg" />

DSD: You are soon to turn 38 but that hasn’t slowed you down, look around you and there is a generation of golden oldies going very strong in Indian sport be it Mary Kom, Rohan Bopanna or even the biggest of them all Leander Paes. What is the secret of this longevity, there are some who believe that it is the older and wiser heads who will be able to adapt better once action resumes.

Sharath Kamal: Yes, that is possible. However, there have been other reports as well, which make the point that older athletes might lose motivation because of the break. I have been taking an annual one month break for the last 3-4 years. At my age, I think it is important to take a mental and physical break and it also allows me to spend some time with my family. I try to unwind during that period and come back with a fresh mentality. The advantage that I have, being an experienced player, is that I know what parts of my game I will work on once I return. It will be impossible to cover every aspect of your game in the limited time which we will get for preparation. &nbsp;There is a broad plan that I have in mind and I will work in that direction. Mostly, I will look to sharpen my strengths rather than work on my weaknesses.

DSD: Sharath as one of the senior-most players in the world and with a young family have you thought about travelling abroad for tournaments. It’s a tough situation to be in isn't it especially with rankings so important to the Olympic qualifying process.

Sharath Kamal: Yes, in fact, I was dealing with the very same problem in March. My family advised me against travelling for the Oman Open because the coronavirus had started spreading rapidly at that time. Even though the risk of transmission was high at the airports, I went for the tournament against my family's wishes because it was important for me to get some match practice ahead of the Olympic qualifiers, which were scheduled for April at the time. That dilemma is bound to come up again in the near future. However, the priority must be the safety and health of me and my family. I have decided that I will not travel abroad for any tournament at least till September and the way things are going I doubt if any event will take place till then. There is also a question mark over whether international travel will be allowed in the near future and if it is, what will be the quarantine laws for athletes? There is really no point of me travelling to another country if I have to spend two weeks in quarantine before a particular tournament.

DSD: There is talk of international tournaments abandoning the doubles and mixed doubles format for the time being. Isn't that completely unfair on specialist players. The IOC says all sports should be fair to athletes and how is this a fair process?

Sharath Kamal: I don't know why they took that decision. Mixed doubles is an Olympic event, while the men's and women's doubles are also part of the team championships at the Olympics. I fail to see the sense behind a ban on those events since the Olympics are only a year away. Manika Batra and I have a fair chance of qualifying for the Games, we won the bronze medal at the Asian games and we have a small chance of winning a medal at the Olympics as well. So it's not fair to scrap those events. Also, when we travel to tournaments, we anyway spend a lot of time together during our travel and meals. I am bound to be in contact with say, Sathiyan or Manika, so what difference does it make if we play a doubles match together?

<img alt="Achanta Sharath Kamal" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="86836054-d721-4d19-88e6-d947c8f1ed2b" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_18P8SZ.jpg" />

DSD: Has the pandemic forced international bodies into panic mode. Table tennis isn't a contact sport and as long as players are tested regularly and the playing arena is sanitised, it shouldn't be a problem...

Sharath Kamal: I was watching the German Bundesliga the other day and the substitutes were sitting on the bench while maintaining social distancing measures. I fail to understand the point of such a measure when there are 22 players on the football field who are constantly coming in contact with each other. This is an example of a decision that is just taken for the public perception of safety. The Badminton World Federation also just put out dates for the tournaments without having a clear plan in mind, we have no idea what travel restrictions will be put in place in the future I think every sporting body needs to have contingency plans in place for the calendar. In table tennis, the World Championships, which were initially scheduled in March, can be pushed back to the latter part of the year, since it is an important tournament. But there is no point preparing a schedule in panic mode.

DSD: It felt like a threshold had been crossed by Indian table tennis at the Asian Games in 2018 with you and Manika Batra winning a mixed bronze, has it given you the confidence to challenge for medals at the Olympics and World Championships.

Sharath Kamal: Absolutely, it was a huge boost for us to win a medal at the Asian Games, which has traditionally been dominated by countries like China, Japan and South Korea. These are the powerhouses of the sport and it was great to be at the podium. I should really hand it to Manika Batra, she was playing some truly outstanding table tennis during that mixed doubles event. I would say she played even better than what she did at the Commonwealth Games. She was able to carry her form from the CWG to the Asian games. Earlier, we were just hoping for a good performance when we went to the Olympics, but now we actually believe we can win a medal for the country. The image of Indian table tennis has changed in the entire world. Many international players wouldn't know the names of the Indian opponents, but all that has changed now. &nbsp;They know exactly who they are facing and Indian players are seen as serious competition. So, there has been a major change in the perception of Indian table tennis.

DSD: What is the change Sharath, you have been toiling hard on the international tour for 2 decades now and finally last 2-3 years the breakthrough has happened. How close are we to a World Championship and Olympic medal now?

Sharath Kamal: There have been a lot of changes that have been made in Indian tennis over the last few years. Before the Commonwealth Games in 2006, I decided to play in Europe and hence my game improved a lot. I think after that a lot of Indian youngsters started playing in European countries and that considerably raised the level of Indian table tennis. &nbsp;Four Indian paddlers secured their place at the Olympics for the first time at the 2016 Rio Games and that led to an increase in funding for the sport. We then hired top quality foreign coaches, who along with the table tennis federation of India and the sports authority of India, came up with a long-term plan. Now, there is a structure in place which allows us, Indian players, to travel abroad and get access to the best facilities for high-level performances at global events.

The franchise-based Ultimate Table Tennis League, which started in 2017, was also a game-changer. It allowed young Indian players to compete and train with the best in the world. I went to Europe so that I could play with the best in the business and now the young Indian players have the opportunity of doing just that in India itself. Sathiyan Gnanasekaran and Manika Batra were the finds of the 2017 edition of the league. Then in 2018, Archana Kamath and Manav Thakkar emerged as strong talents, Thakkar is world no.1 in the U-21 category. Being a senior player, I made it a point to guide and mentor these youngsters. When I was young, I felt my development would have been fast-tracked if had a senior to show me the ropes. I think it was a huge advantage that I was able to pass on my experience, while still competing with them. Initially, they were a bit wary of the fact that I was giving them advice, while still being their opponent, but they gradually understood the point of the guidance and learnt to accept it that way.

DSD: Now training protocols have been announced by sports authority of India and you were asked if you wanted to join a national camp but the players have refused now. What is the road ahead, when do you think you will be able to return to training in groups?

Sharath Kamal: At the moment, training in groups is a big no. The guidelines that SAI came up with were for the athletes who were already at the facilities during the lockdown. They have invited us to camps, but at the moment there is no point of attending those them because we don't know when the next tournament will be held. I think it is unsafe for us to travel to any SAI facility. We as athletes need to wait for another month at least before we resume training in groups at any facility. Sathiyan and I live in the same city, but at the moment I don't think it will be wise for us to venture out given the rise in the number of cases in Chennai.

<img alt="Achanta Sharath Kamal" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1b9f62fb-6e70-442e-8d3a-ea8e8bca40a4" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_Hkg2335562.jpg" />

DSD: Does the concept of a quarantine camp work for you where everyone is together in a sanitised environment or there can be no substitute for tournament play...

Sharath Kamal:&nbsp;I think when we speak about quarantine camps, the players aren't the only ones who need to be protected, there will be multiple staff present at the venue and there will always be a worry about the health and safety of all the personnel at the facility. It is very hard to focus on your training when you don't feel completely secure, that worry will always be there at the back of your mind. We still need to wait for things to improve before making a proper decision.

DSD: Would you be willing to head to the Olympics if no vaccine is found by then and should the Olympics then go ahead as many are now fearing.

Sharath Kamal: At a mega-event like the Olympics, social distancing is virtually impossible because there are so many people at the village. I think it is highly unlikely that the Olympics will take place without a vaccine. If that is the case, it will be a huge setback for me personally because I don't know if I will still be playing when the next Games happen in 2024. So I really hope a vaccine is developed soon, not just for selfish reasons, but also for the good of humanity.

Eight-time Commonwealth Games and two-time Asian Game medalist, Indian table-tennis icon Achanta Sharath Kamal, in an exclusive interview with WION's Sports Editor, Digvijay Singh Deo, spoke about life in lockdown, future of table tennis, travelling abroad for tournaments after COVID-19 crisis, Tokyo Olympics, his medal-laden career, the concept of quarantine camp, and much more.

Eight-time Commonwealth Games and two-time Asian Game medalist, Indian table-tennis icon Achanta Sharath Kamal, in an exclusive interview with WION's Sports Editor, Digvijay Singh Deo, spoke about life in lockdown, future of table tennis, travelling abroad for tournaments after COVID-19 crisis, Tokyo Olympics, his medal-laden career, the concept of quarantine camp, and much more. Digvijay Singh Deo: I must say Sharath, I have been seeing a lot of you addressing webinars through this crisis. Seems like you have been keeping busy. Sharath Kamal: I feel it is the responsibility of the senior athletes to guide the others through these tough times, so I've been trying to help them through webinars. There is a lot of uncertainty and anxiety about the future and there is a need to motivate people and spread positive messages. DSD: Has it been frustrating not being able to play and adjusting to this new phase? Sharath Kamal: Yes, initially it was very frustrating. For the first week of the lockdown, I failed to accept the situation and hence found it very tough to deal with. It was very frustrating to not be able to go out and train. But then I realised that there is no point dwelling on the things that I cannot control. Now, I follow a training schedule with whatever resources I have and play a little bit of table tennis at my mother's house since there is a table at her place. Also, it was tough to deal with the postponement of the Tokyo Olympics, because I was in good form leading up to the games and my world ranking had improved to 31. DSD: This forced break came at a crucial time for you when you were carrying some momentum and were going to take it into the Olympic qualifiers, in a way you have to start from scratch for the 2021 Olympics. Sharath Kamal: The sportsperson's body is like a sports car. The moment you stop taking care of it, it gets rusty and doesn't perform. In terms of our preparation for the games, we have to go back to the drawing board, so it is a mental challenge as well. We will need a couple of months of training and a few matches under our belt to figure out what the best way is to prepare for the games. It is definitely going to be an uphill task. The only positive is that all the athletes around the world are in the same boat. DSD: I did see some visuals of your teammate Sathiyan Gnanasekaran practising on a home table with a robot machine he had imported. Technology has been a boon through this process, be it communication or even playing. Sharath Kamal: I feel one must find a way to keep in touch with the sport. There is a lot of skill involved in racket sports and a player must not lose the feel of the game. One must not allow skill levels to drop to a great extent, otherwise, it will be very tough for the player when the sport resumes. It is important to train, but high-level training is only possible when you have a goal in mind and something to work towards. As of now, there is no schedule of tournaments and we have no idea when the sport will resume. DSD: For an elite player like you, how long do you think it will take to return to peak match fitness? Sharath Kamal: I have been participating in webinars with some fitness experts, and they believe that it will take athletes at least 3 months to regain even 80% of their mental and physical fitness. This is an unprecedented crisis and no one really has concrete answers. In the past, I have been out of action for six months due to injury, but that situation was completely different because I was working on rehabilitation and had a goal to work towards. This period is just filled with uncertainty. DSD: You are soon to turn 38 but that hasn’t slowed you down, look around you and there is a generation of golden oldies going very strong in Indian sport be it Mary Kom, Rohan Bopanna or even the biggest of them all Leander Paes. What is the secret of this longevity, there are some who believe that it is the older and wiser heads who will be able to adapt better once action resumes. Sharath Kamal: Yes, that is possible. However, there have been other reports as well, which make the point that older athletes might lose motivation because of the break. I have been taking an annual one month break for the last 3-4 years. At my age, I think it is important to take a mental and physical break and it also allows me to spend some time with my family. I try to unwind during that period and come back with a fresh mentality. The advantage that I have, being an experienced player, is that I know what parts of my game I will work on once I return. It will be impossible to cover every aspect of your game in the limited time which we will get for preparation. There is a broad plan that I have in mind and I will work in that direction. Mostly, I will look to sharpen my strengths rather than work on my weaknesses. DSD: Sharath as one of the senior-most players in the world and with a young family have you thought about travelling abroad for tournaments. It’s a tough situation to be in isn't it especially with rankings so important to the Olympic qualifying process. Sharath Kamal: Yes, in fact, I was dealing with the very same problem in March. My family advised me against travelling for the Oman Open because the coronavirus had started spreading rapidly at that time. Even though the risk of transmission was high at the airports, I went for the tournament against my family's wishes because it was important for me to get some match practice ahead of the Olympic qualifiers, which were scheduled for April at the time. That dilemma is bound to come up again in the near future. However, the priority must be the safety and health of me and my family. I have decided that I will not travel abroad for any tournament at least till September and the way things are going I doubt if any event will take place till then. There is also a question mark over whether international travel will be allowed in the near future and if it is, what will be the quarantine laws for athletes? There is really no point of me travelling to another country if I have to spend two weeks in quarantine before a particular tournament. DSD: There is talk of international tournaments abandoning the doubles and mixed doubles format for the time being. Isn't that completely unfair on specialist players. The IOC says all sports should be fair to athletes and how is this a fair process? Sharath Kamal: I don't know why they took that decision. Mixed doubles is an Olympic event, while the men's and women's doubles are also part of the team championships at the Olympics. I fail to see the sense behind a ban on those events since the Olympics are only a year away. Manika Batra and I have a fair chance of qualifying for the Games, we won the bronze medal at the Asian games and we have a small chance of winning a medal at the Olympics as well. So it's not fair to scrap those events. Also, when we travel to tournaments, we anyway spend a lot of time together during our travel and meals. I am bound to be in contact with say, Sathiyan or Manika, so what difference does it make if we play a doubles match together? DSD: Has the pandemic forced international bodies into panic mode. Table tennis isn't a contact sport and as long as players are tested regularly and the playing arena is sanitised, it shouldn't be a problem... Sharath Kamal: I was watching the German Bundesliga the other day and the substitutes were sitting on the bench while maintaining social distancing measures. I fail to understand the point of such a measure when there are 22 players on the football field who are constantly coming in contact with each other. This is an example of a decision that is just taken for the public perception of safety. The Badminton World Federation also just put out dates for the tournaments without having a clear plan in mind, we have no idea what travel restrictions will be put in place in the future I think every sporting body needs to have contingency plans in place for the calendar. In table tennis, the World Championships, which were initially scheduled in March, can be pushed back to the latter part of the year, since it is an important tournament. But there is no point preparing a schedule in panic mode. DSD: It felt like a threshold had been crossed by Indian table tennis at the Asian Games in 2018 with you and Manika Batra winning a mixed bronze, has it given you the confidence to challenge for medals at the Olympics and World Championships. Sharath Kamal: Absolutely, it was a huge boost for us to win a medal at the Asian Games, which has traditionally been dominated by countries like China, Japan and South Korea. These are the powerhouses of the sport and it was great to be at the podium. I should really hand it to Manika Batra, she was playing some truly outstanding table tennis during that mixed doubles event. I would say she played even better than what she did at the Commonwealth Games. She was able to carry her form from the CWG to the Asian games. Earlier, we were just hoping for a good performance when we went to the Olympics, but now we actually believe we can win a medal for the country. The image of Indian table tennis has changed in the entire world. Many international players wouldn't know the names of the Indian opponents, but all that has changed now. They know exactly who they are facing and Indian players are seen as serious competition. So, there has been a major change in the perception of Indian table tennis. DSD: What is the change Sharath, you have been toiling hard on the international tour for 2 decades now and finally last 2-3 years the breakthrough has happened. How close are we to a World Championship and Olympic medal now? Sharath Kamal: There have been a lot of changes that have been made in Indian tennis over the last few years. Before the Commonwealth Games in 2006, I decided to play in Europe and hence my game improved a lot. I think after that a lot of Indian youngsters started playing in European countries and that considerably raised the level of Indian table tennis. Four Indian paddlers secured their place at the Olympics for the first time at the 2016 Rio Games and that led to an increase in funding for the sport. We then hired top quality foreign coaches, who along with the table tennis federation of India and the sports authority of India, came up with a long-term plan. Now, there is a structure in place which allows us, Indian players, to travel abroad and get access to the best facilities for high-level performances at global events. The franchise-based Ultimate Table Tennis League, which started in 2017, was also a game-changer. It allowed young Indian players to compete and train with the best in the world. I went to Europe so that I could play with the best in the business and now the young Indian players have the opportunity of doing just that in India itself. Sathiyan Gnanasekaran and Manika Batra were the finds of the 2017 edition of the league. Then in 2018, Archana Kamath and Manav Thakkar emerged as strong talents, Thakkar is world no.1 in the U-21 category. Being a senior player, I made it a point to guide and mentor these youngsters. When I was young, I felt my development would have been fast-tracked if had a senior to show me the ropes. I think it was a huge advantage that I was able to pass on my experience, while still competing with them. Initially, they were a bit wary of the fact that I was giving them advice, while still being their opponent, but they gradually understood the point of the guidance and learnt to accept it that way. DSD: Now training protocols have been announced by sports authority of India and you were asked if you wanted to join a national camp but the players have refused now. What is the road ahead, when do you think you will be able to return to training in groups? Sharath Kamal: At the moment, training in groups is a big no. The guidelines that SAI came up with were for the athletes who were already at the facilities during the lockdown. They have invited us to camps, but at the moment there is no point of attending those them because we don't know when the next tournament will be held. I think it is unsafe for us to travel to any SAI facility. We as athletes need to wait for another month at least before we resume training in groups at any facility. Sathiyan and I live in the same city, but at the moment I don't think it will be wise for us to venture out given the rise in the number of cases in Chennai. DSD: Does the concept of a quarantine camp work for you where everyone is together in a sanitised environment or there can be no substitute for tournament play... Sharath Kamal: I think when we speak about quarantine camps, the players aren't the only ones who need to be protected, there will be multiple staff present at the venue and there will always be a worry about the health and safety of all the personnel at the facility. It is very hard to focus on your training when you don't feel completely secure, that worry will always be there at the back of your mind. We still need to wait for things to improve before making a proper decision. DSD: Would you be willing to head to the Olympics if no vaccine is found by then and should the Olympics then go ahead as many are now fearing. Sharath Kamal: At a mega-event like the Olympics, social distancing is virtually impossible because there are so many people at the village. I think it is highly unlikely that the Olympics will take place without a vaccine. If that is the case, it will be a huge setback for me personally because I don't know if I will still be playing when the next Games happen in 2024. So I really hope a vaccine is developed soon, not just for selfish reasons, but also for the good of humanity.

Sharath Kamal: Social distancing impossible at the Olympics

Former Canadian tennis ace and a legend of the game with 12 Grand Slam Doubles titles, an Olympic Gold medal to his name, Daniel Nestor, in an exclusive interview with WION’s Sports Editor, Digvijay Singh Deo, spoke about life in lockdown, tennis calendar, merger between ATP and WTA, partnership with Leander Paes and Rohan Bopanna, Bryan brothers, and much more…

Digvijay Singh Deo: Daniel Nestor,thank you for joining me, what have these last couple of months been like for you? Have you had a lot of restrictions to deal with?

Daniel Nestor: The restrictions here in Toronto haven't been quite as strict as the ones you see in India. There have been a few cases that have been reported, but now the situation is improving and things are slowly starting to open up. Hopefully we will continue to move in that direction and return to some sort of normalcy.

DSD: How have you been spending your time in these circumstances? Have you taken up a hobby or something?

Daniel Nestor: I have been trying to keep in shape, so I go for regular runs in the neighbourhood. Fortunately, we have some friends in our area so there is some amount of social interaction. Our dog also keeps us busy. Overall, our lifestyle has certainly changed in the last two months.

DSD: The number of coronavirus cases in Canada has risen to over 85,000 now, but importantly the death toll isn't that high in comparison to neighbours USA, what is it in your opinion that the health authorities have done well...

Daniel Nestor: We have been fortunate, but there has been a slight rise in cases after the relaxation of certain restrictions. It is too early right now to give a verdict on how Canada has handled the crisis, hopefully, we will be able to contain the virus to a considerable extent in the near future.

DSD: A&nbsp;lot of praise also coming for the Canadian government, for the economic support they have provided the citizens during the crisis.

Daniel Nestor:&nbsp;Yes, the government has provided some sort of stimulus to those who are in need. However, unemployment has increased &nbsp;and a number of small businesses have suffered. Hopefully, those affected will be able to weather the storm and get their livelihoods back soon.

<img alt="Daniel Nestor" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3e781a2f-9fde-4bed-a7eb-77c68b6e3a6b" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_LE9LZ.jpg" />

DSD: You retired only a couple of years ago after a remarkably long career - 28 years, 91 titles, a ridiculous amount of travel. Are you happy to not have to think about all that anymore? Or do you miss it sometimes?

Daniel Nestor: During a crisis like this, I think I am fortunate to be with my family. Back when I was playing, I did enjoy the 'jet-setting' aspect of our profession. I appreciated the fact that we could travel the world while competing at the highest level. But other things, I did not enjoy as much, it was always difficult to say goodbye to the family and I was a bit of a nervous flyer as well. So I'm just grateful to be home right now. It hasn't been a huge adjustment for me during this lockdown period because I am a homebody. I'm glad I can spend some time with my kids, they have certainly enjoyed being at home and not going to school.

DSD: I mentioned the travel and globetrotting for a reason.we know that the tennis calendar for this season has been decimated by the virus pandemic...It's a massive loss for the sport, isn't it? From usually having tournaments every single week all over the world to none at all till at least august as things stand.

Daniel Nestor: Tennis is such a global sport, events take place all over the world during the season and that is precisely why I&nbsp;don't see the sport resuming anytime soon. With the prevailing circumstances and quarantine protocols, I don't see how international travel will be possible during the crisis. The NBA and NFL are in discussions to hold their seasons at just one venue, with all the teams staying in one city, but I don't see how that is going to be possible in tennis. I think the US Open organisers are also trying to figure out a solution for the event. New york city has been devastated by the crisis, so the tournament could be held at the national tennis centre in Orlando. It would be great for the game of tennis to have a major tournament, but I understand that there are a lot of other factors that need to be considered.

DSD: The Tours remain suspended, but we're beginning to get a sense of what tennis might look like as we continue to deal with the pandemic.there have been some exhibition events in Europe, in the US and a big one planned in Canada next week as well featuring Bianca Andreescu among others. This is with all social distancing rules in place. I'm curious to know if you have seen any of them and what did you make of it - both as a former pro and as a fan watching the sport you love.

Daniel Nestor: From a player's perspective, it is definitely going to be strange playing in an empty stadium. Even practising social distancing at the venue and locker rooms is going to be hard, given the number of people present at a venue during a tournament. The fans at home will still be able to enjoy the game on tv, so at least they will get to see some action. Obviously the atmosphere will not be the same in an empty stadium, but that I think is the new norm for every sport. Watching the German Bundesliga has been a strange experience because we are not used to watching athletes compete without spectators. Hopefully, this will change soon and sport as we know it will return.

DSD: Roger Federer said earlier this week that he is really not keen on playing events if at least one-third to half of the stadium is not full. Players like Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi have said that they are often driven by the atmosphere that is created at the arenas, we know that tennis stars play training matches against each other quite often - but would it be a huge difference to have to do it in a tournament setting?

Daniel Nestor: I feel these are compromises that the sport will have to make. I know Leander Paes feeds off the crowd and he does like to mix things up during a match. He might have to get under the skin of his opponent to get motivated. I'm sure Leander, being a veteran, will find a way to keep himself going. Every sport has to adapt. Players have different approaches to the game and this change is probably going to affect some more so than others. I think the top players will make the necessary changes and find a way to maintain their levels, adaptability is the key.

<img alt="Daniel Nestor" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6937c9b0-b3c0-4c9f-9aa2-73b9d0dfbffb" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_YO5GN.jpg" />

DSD: How do you think this break in tennis will impact the sport once it restarts.how much practice do you think the players will need before returning for a proper tournament - let us say the French Open which is on the cards in September-October... And especially the men, who have to play best-of-five sets...

Daniel Nestor:&nbsp;It's hard to imagine that a grand slam - the US Open- &nbsp;will be the first tournament after the coronavirus break. If that is the case then the scoring format would have to be modified. It is almost cruel to expect men's players to play the best of a five-set match without some preparation. There is the heat factor as well, temperatures are going to be soaring in new york city and even in Orlando, which is the alternative venue. Ideally, there should be a couple of tournaments before the US Open, but if it is the first tournament to be held after the break, then scoring changes will have to be made. I think there should an at least a month's notice for the players on the dates of these tournaments. I feel it is inevitable that there will be a lot of injuries when tennis resumes, but we have to try and limit that as much as possible.

DSD: Who do you expect to be able to handle this break better and hit the ground running? Is it the younger stars who are probably fitter and raring to go all the time - or the seasoned pros who have a lot of experience to fall back on and presumably a better understanding of their own bodies...

Daniel Nestor: You would expect the younger guys to be better equipped, but I'm not sure if that will be the case. Tennis has become more physically demanding over the years and the fitness levels of players have improved, you would hence expect the younger and fitter athletes to dominate the sport, but that obviously hasn't happened. I think the experienced players will be better prepared mentally, while the younger players will be in better physical shape, so it's going to be very interesting to see what happens when the sport resumes. If the US Open is the first tournament to be held and it is the best of a five-sets affair, then I believe the youngsters will have an edge. It is going to be very challenging to play long matches in those boiling conditions.

DSD: And just to follow up from that - there has been a lot of discussion about what this gap might mean for greats like Serena Williams or Roger Federer - who as we know are not getting any younger. Do you think an added year makes it tougher for them to win a slam title again - or the opposite - that they might actually benefit from a long period of rest and come back hungry and full of energy once tennis resumes.

Daniel Nestor: I'm not really sure how it is going to affect their respective careers, but it is definitely going to be a major challenge for them once things get up and running. I think both of them will find it tough at the US Open if it is the first tournament after the hiatus. Players, especially the older ones, need a few tournaments under their belt before the majors.

<img alt="Daniel Nestor" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b8e3b743-73d0-440a-9957-5e3981f3e745" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_Par7658273.jpg" />

DSD: Now, the big-three are all gunning for that grand slam titles record. Novak Djokovic, who just turned 33 recently, threw down the gauntlet this week - saying that he was confident that he would pass Federer and also break the record for the longest number 1 streak in singles history... With any other player, you might think - wait a minute, that's a big, bold prediction, but with how dominant Djokovic has shown he can be - it is hard to bet against him, isn't it?

Daniel Nestor: It is incredible what he's accomplished over the last decade. His record against Nadal and Federer is also remarkable. Djokovic is also the youngest and fittest of the big three, which will work to his advantage. Nadal used to be incredibly fit, but his knees have given him some problems recently. So you can't really doubt Djokovic's claims here. &nbsp;A lot also depends on Nadal's health, if he is able to keep fit then he could be able to win a couple of more french open titles. The Wimbledon cancellation was a huge setback for Federer, he is coming close to the age of 40 and there will come a time when he will need to make a decision on his career. I think it will take time for Djokovic to find the same level of form that he was showing earlier in the year, so it will be a challenge for him once the tour resumes.

DSD: We are still waiting for word on whether the US&nbsp;Open will go ahead. There are many reasons why we hope that tournament goes ahead - among them is because it is to be a farewell for a doubles team that you fought many memorable battles with over your career - the Bryan brothers. A&nbsp;career like theirs deserves that sort of home slam farewell, doesn't it?

Daniel Nestor: Yes, it would definitely be a fitting farewell for them both. I won't be surprised if they come back for the tournament next year if this year's event is cancelled. I'm not sure if they will have enough fuel in the tank to come back, but there is no doubt that the Bryan brothers have had amazing careers and they deserve a home slam farewell.

DSD: What was your relationship like with the Bryans and some of the other top men's teams of your playing time...Were you a competitive person, keeping your distance from rival players in a sense - a bit like Maria Sharapova - or was it a case of everyone being mates in the locker room?

Daniel Nestor: When I was younger, I definitely saw them more as rivals and opponents. But as I became a more experienced player, I learned to appreciate all aspects of the sport, including my rivals. They have my respect and my relationship with them has been a positive one. I had a lot of battles against them in my career, 59 to be exact. They are up 30-29, so they'll always have that edge over me. Like the Bryan brothers, Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi have also been great champions of the sport. It'll be great to see Leander have one more crack at a major tournament.

DSD: You are of course very well known to Indian audiences as well - having partnered both Leander Paes and Rohan Bopanna over your career and almost Mahesh Bhupathi as well at one point. Leander had announced this season as his last on the Tour...Are you surprised that he's managed to outdo even you in terms of longevity?

Daniel Nestor: Leander is very athletic and he's managed to outlast me. I was slowing down quite a bit towards the end of my career and that is bound to happen with age, so it's incredible to see him still playing. He's such a great champion and charismatic figure for the sport. He has always been a very entertaining player to watch and the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 will be a fitting end to his career. Even though we didn't play together very long, I thoroughly enjoyed my partnership with him. We should have probably teamed up earlier in our careers. Similarly, I loved playing with Rohan Bopanna, he's a very dynamic player and great shot-maker. Unfortunately, Mahesh and I were both left-sided specialists, so my partnership with him didn't work out, but he's obviously a great champion. I can see a bunch of talented players coming up in India and the sport has a bright future in the country.

DSD: Another topic I want to pick your brains on is this suggestion of a merger between the ATP and WTA tours. Many players have welcomed the idea, some notably haven't.tennis is a very lucrative, quite global sport already as things stand - would such a merger down the road be beneficial to both sets of players?

Daniel Nestor: I think there is talk of a merger between the WTA and the ATP tours, which will be great for the cities that will host the events, but that means that a lot of venues on the tour will lose out on tournaments. It is also going to be very difficult for the players on the Challenger Tour because those events will lose funding in terms of sponsorship and revenue. It is undoubtedly going to be a very challenging time for tennis, but it is going to be the same for everyone else in the world. We have to look at things in perspective. I think there are people who are suffering more in the world than professional athletes right now. I understand that players are desperate to get back out there, but they will still have the opportunity to compete at some point and the best will rise to the top, as they always have. I think the need of the hour is patience and perseverance.

<img alt="Daniel Nestor" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c157633e-f717-4d80-bf51-5bd8b139bf27" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_Hkg823140.jpg" />

DSD: One final question Daniel - the other day I saw all the top Canadian players get together for a group chat. Pospisil, Raonic, Shapovalov, Auger-Aliasime and the women too - Andreescu, Gabriella Dabrowski. You must be absolutely delighted with the depth of talent coming out of your country right now...

Daniel Nestor: Yes, it is definitely a great period for tennis in Canada. Who would have ever thought that we would be such a strong tennis nation, in both men's and women's events? I think Milos Raonic was a catalyst, his consistent singles performances on the ATP circuit instilled a sense of belief in youngsters across the country. Before Raonic, we never really had a top 20 or 30 player perform at that level. He and Vasek Pospisil kind of led the way for the younger generation. The younger crop of players, Shapovalov, Auger Aliassime and Andreescu have shown great promise and hopefully, they will continue to grow as professionals. They also have 10-15 years ahead of them and the sky is the limit.

The Canadian Tennis Federation also played a great role in their development .they hired international coaches, upgraded the facilities and provided players with whatever support they needed. However the federation is going through challenging times at the moment, they had to let some people go because of the coronavirus financial crisis and the rogers cup is not going to be held this year, so revenue generation might be a problem. Let's hope this crisis is overcome soon and then we can look ahead to a bright future. 
&nbsp;

Former Canadian tennis ace and a legend of the game with 12 Grand Slam Doubles titles, an Olympic Gold medal to his name, Daniel Nestor, in an exclusive interview with WION’s Sports Editor, Digvijay Singh Deo, spoke about life in lockdown, tennis calendar, merger between ATP and WTA, partnership with Leander Paes and Rohan Bopanna, Bryan brothers, and much more… Digvijay Singh Deo: Daniel Nestor,thank you for joining me, what have these last couple of months been like for you?

Former Canadian tennis ace and a legend of the game with 12 Grand Slam Doubles titles, an Olympic Gold medal to his name, Daniel Nestor, in an exclusive interview with WION’s Sports Editor, Digvijay Singh Deo, spoke about life in lockdown, tennis calendar, merger between ATP and WTA, partnership with Leander Paes and Rohan Bopanna, Bryan brothers, and much more… Digvijay Singh Deo: Daniel Nestor,thank you for joining me, what have these last couple of months been like for you? Have you had a lot of restrictions to deal with? Daniel Nestor: The restrictions here in Toronto haven't been quite as strict as the ones you see in India. There have been a few cases that have been reported, but now the situation is improving and things are slowly starting to open up. Hopefully we will continue to move in that direction and return to some sort of normalcy. DSD: How have you been spending your time in these circumstances? Have you taken up a hobby or something? Daniel Nestor: I have been trying to keep in shape, so I go for regular runs in the neighbourhood. Fortunately, we have some friends in our area so there is some amount of social interaction. Our dog also keeps us busy. Overall, our lifestyle has certainly changed in the last two months. DSD: The number of coronavirus cases in Canada has risen to over 85,000 now, but importantly the death toll isn't that high in comparison to neighbours USA, what is it in your opinion that the health authorities have done well... Daniel Nestor: We have been fortunate, but there has been a slight rise in cases after the relaxation of certain restrictions. It is too early right now to give a verdict on how Canada has handled the crisis, hopefully, we will be able to contain the virus to a considerable extent in the near future. DSD: A lot of praise also coming for the Canadian government, for the economic support they have provided the citizens during the crisis. Daniel Nestor: Yes, the government has provided some sort of stimulus to those who are in need. However, unemployment has increased and a number of small businesses have suffered. Hopefully, those affected will be able to weather the storm and get their livelihoods back soon. DSD: You retired only a couple of years ago after a remarkably long career - 28 years, 91 titles, a ridiculous amount of travel. Are you happy to not have to think about all that anymore? Or do you miss it sometimes? Daniel Nestor: During a crisis like this, I think I am fortunate to be with my family. Back when I was playing, I did enjoy the 'jet-setting' aspect of our profession. I appreciated the fact that we could travel the world while competing at the highest level. But other things, I did not enjoy as much, it was always difficult to say goodbye to the family and I was a bit of a nervous flyer as well. So I'm just grateful to be home right now. It hasn't been a huge adjustment for me during this lockdown period because I am a homebody. I'm glad I can spend some time with my kids, they have certainly enjoyed being at home and not going to school. DSD: I mentioned the travel and globetrotting for a reason.we know that the tennis calendar for this season has been decimated by the virus pandemic...It's a massive loss for the sport, isn't it? From usually having tournaments every single week all over the world to none at all till at least august as things stand. Daniel Nestor: Tennis is such a global sport, events take place all over the world during the season and that is precisely why I don't see the sport resuming anytime soon. With the prevailing circumstances and quarantine protocols, I don't see how international travel will be possible during the crisis. The NBA and NFL are in discussions to hold their seasons at just one venue, with all the teams staying in one city, but I don't see how that is going to be possible in tennis. I think the US Open organisers are also trying to figure out a solution for the event. New york city has been devastated by the crisis, so the tournament could be held at the national tennis centre in Orlando. It would be great for the game of tennis to have a major tournament, but I understand that there are a lot of other factors that need to be considered. DSD: The Tours remain suspended, but we're beginning to get a sense of what tennis might look like as we continue to deal with the pandemic.there have been some exhibition events in Europe, in the US and a big one planned in Canada next week as well featuring Bianca Andreescu among others. This is with all social distancing rules in place. I'm curious to know if you have seen any of them and what did you make of it - both as a former pro and as a fan watching the sport you love. Daniel Nestor: From a player's perspective, it is definitely going to be strange playing in an empty stadium. Even practising social distancing at the venue and locker rooms is going to be hard, given the number of people present at a venue during a tournament. The fans at home will still be able to enjoy the game on tv, so at least they will get to see some action. Obviously the atmosphere will not be the same in an empty stadium, but that I think is the new norm for every sport. Watching the German Bundesliga has been a strange experience because we are not used to watching athletes compete without spectators. Hopefully, this will change soon and sport as we know it will return. DSD: Roger Federer said earlier this week that he is really not keen on playing events if at least one-third to half of the stadium is not full. Players like Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi have said that they are often driven by the atmosphere that is created at the arenas, we know that tennis stars play training matches against each other quite often - but would it be a huge difference to have to do it in a tournament setting? Daniel Nestor: I feel these are compromises that the sport will have to make. I know Leander Paes feeds off the crowd and he does like to mix things up during a match. He might have to get under the skin of his opponent to get motivated. I'm sure Leander, being a veteran, will find a way to keep himself going. Every sport has to adapt. Players have different approaches to the game and this change is probably going to affect some more so than others. I think the top players will make the necessary changes and find a way to maintain their levels, adaptability is the key. DSD: How do you think this break in tennis will impact the sport once it restarts.how much practice do you think the players will need before returning for a proper tournament - let us say the French Open which is on the cards in September-October... And especially the men, who have to play best-of-five sets... Daniel Nestor: It's hard to imagine that a grand slam - the US Open- will be the first tournament after the coronavirus break. If that is the case then the scoring format would have to be modified. It is almost cruel to expect men's players to play the best of a five-set match without some preparation. There is the heat factor as well, temperatures are going to be soaring in new york city and even in Orlando, which is the alternative venue. Ideally, there should be a couple of tournaments before the US Open, but if it is the first tournament to be held after the break, then scoring changes will have to be made. I think there should an at least a month's notice for the players on the dates of these tournaments. I feel it is inevitable that there will be a lot of injuries when tennis resumes, but we have to try and limit that as much as possible. DSD: Who do you expect to be able to handle this break better and hit the ground running? Is it the younger stars who are probably fitter and raring to go all the time - or the seasoned pros who have a lot of experience to fall back on and presumably a better understanding of their own bodies... Daniel Nestor: You would expect the younger guys to be better equipped, but I'm not sure if that will be the case. Tennis has become more physically demanding over the years and the fitness levels of players have improved, you would hence expect the younger and fitter athletes to dominate the sport, but that obviously hasn't happened. I think the experienced players will be better prepared mentally, while the younger players will be in better physical shape, so it's going to be very interesting to see what happens when the sport resumes. If the US Open is the first tournament to be held and it is the best of a five-sets affair, then I believe the youngsters will have an edge. It is going to be very challenging to play long matches in those boiling conditions. DSD: And just to follow up from that - there has been a lot of discussion about what this gap might mean for greats like Serena Williams or Roger Federer - who as we know are not getting any younger. Do you think an added year makes it tougher for them to win a slam title again - or the opposite - that they might actually benefit from a long period of rest and come back hungry and full of energy once tennis resumes. Daniel Nestor: I'm not really sure how it is going to affect their respective careers, but it is definitely going to be a major challenge for them once things get up and running. I think both of them will find it tough at the US Open if it is the first tournament after the hiatus. Players, especially the older ones, need a few tournaments under their belt before the majors. DSD: Now, the big-three are all gunning for that grand slam titles record. Novak Djokovic, who just turned 33 recently, threw down the gauntlet this week - saying that he was confident that he would pass Federer and also break the record for the longest number 1 streak in singles history... With any other player, you might think - wait a minute, that's a big, bold prediction, but with how dominant Djokovic has shown he can be - it is hard to bet against him, isn't it? Daniel Nestor: It is incredible what he's accomplished over the last decade. His record against Nadal and Federer is also remarkable. Djokovic is also the youngest and fittest of the big three, which will work to his advantage. Nadal used to be incredibly fit, but his knees have given him some problems recently. So you can't really doubt Djokovic's claims here. A lot also depends on Nadal's health, if he is able to keep fit then he could be able to win a couple of more french open titles. The Wimbledon cancellation was a huge setback for Federer, he is coming close to the age of 40 and there will come a time when he will need to make a decision on his career. I think it will take time for Djokovic to find the same level of form that he was showing earlier in the year, so it will be a challenge for him once the tour resumes. DSD: We are still waiting for word on whether the US Open will go ahead. There are many reasons why we hope that tournament goes ahead - among them is because it is to be a farewell for a doubles team that you fought many memorable battles with over your career - the Bryan brothers. A career like theirs deserves that sort of home slam farewell, doesn't it? Daniel Nestor: Yes, it would definitely be a fitting farewell for them both. I won't be surprised if they come back for the tournament next year if this year's event is cancelled. I'm not sure if they will have enough fuel in the tank to come back, but there is no doubt that the Bryan brothers have had amazing careers and they deserve a home slam farewell. DSD: What was your relationship like with the Bryans and some of the other top men's teams of your playing time...Were you a competitive person, keeping your distance from rival players in a sense - a bit like Maria Sharapova - or was it a case of everyone being mates in the locker room? Daniel Nestor: When I was younger, I definitely saw them more as rivals and opponents. But as I became a more experienced player, I learned to appreciate all aspects of the sport, including my rivals. They have my respect and my relationship with them has been a positive one. I had a lot of battles against them in my career, 59 to be exact. They are up 30-29, so they'll always have that edge over me. Like the Bryan brothers, Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi have also been great champions of the sport. It'll be great to see Leander have one more crack at a major tournament. DSD: You are of course very well known to Indian audiences as well - having partnered both Leander Paes and Rohan Bopanna over your career and almost Mahesh Bhupathi as well at one point. Leander had announced this season as his last on the Tour...Are you surprised that he's managed to outdo even you in terms of longevity? Daniel Nestor: Leander is very athletic and he's managed to outlast me. I was slowing down quite a bit towards the end of my career and that is bound to happen with age, so it's incredible to see him still playing. He's such a great champion and charismatic figure for the sport. He has always been a very entertaining player to watch and the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 will be a fitting end to his career. Even though we didn't play together very long, I thoroughly enjoyed my partnership with him. We should have probably teamed up earlier in our careers. Similarly, I loved playing with Rohan Bopanna, he's a very dynamic player and great shot-maker. Unfortunately, Mahesh and I were both left-sided specialists, so my partnership with him didn't work out, but he's obviously a great champion. I can see a bunch of talented players coming up in India and the sport has a bright future in the country. DSD: Another topic I want to pick your brains on is this suggestion of a merger between the ATP and WTA tours. Many players have welcomed the idea, some notably haven't.tennis is a very lucrative, quite global sport already as things stand - would such a merger down the road be beneficial to both sets of players? Daniel Nestor: I think there is talk of a merger between the WTA and the ATP tours, which will be great for the cities that will host the events, but that means that a lot of venues on the tour will lose out on tournaments. It is also going to be very difficult for the players on the Challenger Tour because those events will lose funding in terms of sponsorship and revenue. It is undoubtedly going to be a very challenging time for tennis, but it is going to be the same for everyone else in the world. We have to look at things in perspective. I think there are people who are suffering more in the world than professional athletes right now. I understand that players are desperate to get back out there, but they will still have the opportunity to compete at some point and the best will rise to the top, as they always have. I think the need of the hour is patience and perseverance. DSD: One final question Daniel - the other day I saw all the top Canadian players get together for a group chat. Pospisil, Raonic, Shapovalov, Auger-Aliasime and the women too - Andreescu, Gabriella Dabrowski. You must be absolutely delighted with the depth of talent coming out of your country right now... Daniel Nestor: Yes, it is definitely a great period for tennis in Canada. Who would have ever thought that we would be such a strong tennis nation, in both men's and women's events? I think Milos Raonic was a catalyst, his consistent singles performances on the ATP circuit instilled a sense of belief in youngsters across the country. Before Raonic, we never really had a top 20 or 30 player perform at that level. He and Vasek Pospisil kind of led the way for the younger generation. The younger crop of players, Shapovalov, Auger Aliassime and Andreescu have shown great promise and hopefully, they will continue to grow as professionals. They also have 10-15 years ahead of them and the sky is the limit. The Canadian Tennis Federation also played a great role in their development .they hired international coaches, upgraded the facilities and provided players with whatever support they needed. However the federation is going through challenging times at the moment, they had to let some people go because of the coronavirus financial crisis and the rogers cup is not going to be held this year, so revenue generation might be a problem. Let's hope this crisis is overcome soon and then we can look ahead to a bright future.

Nestor: Break, heat and best of 5 sets will suit younger players at US Open

Arjuna awardee and Commonwealth gold-medallist, Parupalli Kashyap, in an exclusive interview with WION's Sports Editor, Digvijay Singh Deo, spoke on issues ranging from life under lockdown, new BWF calendar, Tokyo Olympic qualifiers, SOPs issued by SAI, getting back to peak fitness and much more.

Digvijay Singh Deo: Kashyap, good to see you as always, must say it has been a long time...

P Kashyap: Yes, it certainly has. I'm just hanging in there during the crisis. I've heard that training sessions have started all over the country, so just waiting for things to open up in Hyderabad.

DSD: So how have the last 2 months been for you, &nbsp;one of the sportspersons I interviewed for this series likened the present situation to being like a caged animal...

P Kashyap: Yes, I would say that is a nice way to put it. I have actually gone through different phases during this lockdown period. I injured my back in March and was initially very motivated to recover from that injury. So I was very disciplined with my physical training, doing two online sessions in a day. For about six weeks I stuck to that routine, but after that, the motivation levels naturally dropped and so did the intensity of my workout. It is difficult to keep up your physical fitness with no end goal in mind. Fortunately in the last ten days, I have been following some sort of fitness regime.

<img alt="Parupalli Kashyap" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="134ca9bc-20b7-4ba4-baa5-1fb34bd06501" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_1KQ9II.jpg" />

DSD: Your wife Saina Nehwal and you haven't been able to be together as she decided to be with her elderly parents during the initial phase of the lockdown and no one expected this to go on for 2 months now and counting.

P Kashyap: Yes, both of us thought it would be good for us to stay with our parents after coming back from All England Championships. &nbsp;A week after Saina and I returned to India, the lockdown was announced. So we haven't gotten the chance to see each other for the last two months. Some of the restrictions have been relaxed now, so we might be able to see each other later in the week.

DSD: A&nbsp;lot of athletes around the world like yourself are you used to training day in day out, how difficult is it then for you to come to grips with the current situation.

P Kashyap: Yes, it is extremely challenging for us athletes. I don't have access to the gym and have very limited training equipment at home, so it is difficult for me to do weight training as well. It is difficult to keep yourself motivated when you are not on the court every day. Even when we return to the court, it will have to be a slow process because it will take time for us to return to our peak fitness. Also for me personally, I'm not getting any younger, so I have to be very careful when I'm back out there.

DSD: You and a lot of other players have been extremely vocal in the criticism of the new calendar put out by the BWF, why do you think it is such an issue for the players?

P Kashyap: I was just looking to start a discussion among players on twitter regarding the new calendar. It's an extremely tight schedule, cramming 22 tournaments in 5 months. I'm not going to play each event, but even if I play 11-12 tournaments, the travel is going to be extremely hectic, given the current circumstances. The top ten players in the world might be able to skip some of the events, but players like me, who are ranked between 15-30, will look to play 300 &amp; 500-level tour events a well, which means we will hardly get a week's rest between events. Another disadvantage for us Indians is that we haven't even started our badminton training, whereas players in china and Taipei have been practising for the last one and a half months.

One of the main concerns we have is regarding the travel and quarantine laws of various countries. No clarity has been offered on the part of the BWF and we as players have no idea how long we will have to quarantine ourselves upon reaching a certain country. All of us want to get back to playing, but there needs to be more information provided to the players and it seems like the calendar has been prepared in haste. The first tournament on the tour is the Hyderabad open and the facilities haven't even opened up here, so it is difficult to believe that a tournament will be held in two months.

DSD: At the moment, the BWF haven't offered any safeguards for the players, it seems like they have just put out a calendar without careful consideration, they have put out a disclaimer that they cannot guarantee that every tournament they have announced will take place. Isn't that rather strange?

P Kashyap: Yes, there has to be a certain degree of clarity that has to be provided to the players. As of now, there have been no explanations or communication from the BWF since they put out the calendar. I am part of the athletes' commission, and I hope there will be some statement from the BWF soon on how they plan to hold the events and the measures they will take for the protection of the players. Right now, we haven't even started on-court training here in India, so it's difficult to think about participating in tournaments.

<img alt="Parupalli Kashyap" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0bbfab7c-3c7c-4bd4-934f-6cd40ae30f22" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_1F76M6.jpg" />

DSD: Now you are part of the athletes' commission, the question is were players across the world consulted before this calendar was announced?

P Kashyap: It doesn't seem like many players have any consulted. I would assume that the head of the athletes' commission would have been present at the meetings, but I cannot say for sure, hopefully, we will get an answer to all these questions soon. There needs to be a dialogue between the BWF and all the stakeholders of the sport. Every country is at a different stage of dealing with the coronavirus and that needs to be taken into consideration while planning the calendar. Players in China and south-east Asia have been training for the past one and half months, whereas we haven't even started, so it is not really a level playing field at the moment. I don't even know how international travel will even be possible in the current environment. I have asthma and I will certainly not feel comfortable travelling to another country until a vaccine is developed.

DSD: Would you have been more comfortable had a full schedule been laid down right till the 2021 Olympics, the problem with the calendar is that there is too much up in the air, instead of anything concrete.

P Kashyap: Absolutely, I understand this is a tough ask for the BWF, but we are dealing with an unprecedented crisis. I am sure they are trying to figure out the future plan, but I don't think releasing the schedule without a proper plan in place, was a good decision, it was amateurish.

DSD: Right through the crisis, a lot of question have been asked of the BWF and as a major sport's governing body, they haven't really covered themselves in glory...

P Kashyap: I'm not trying to pick a fight with the BWF, I think these are valid questions to raise during such a global health crisis. I hope they come up with the answers soon.

DSD: Will you and Saina Nehwal be comfortable travelling to China in September for the China Open?

P Kashyap: That seems highly unlikely right now. This is a conversation all of us Indian players had recently and I don't think anyone would feel safe travelling to China at the moment. It is not just a question of our individual health and safety, but also that of our family and loved ones. I don't mean to be disrespectful to China, but at the moment I just don't see anyone taking the risk of going there since we don't even know what the quarantine laws will be. The USA recently came out with a law that exempted foreign athletes from coronavirus-related entry bans and hopefully other countries will also announce similar laws.

DSD: I was speaking to Sai Praneeth last week and he said considering this period of no activity it will take him close to 2 and half months to regain peak fitness and match sharpness. As it stands the Hyderabad open will be the first tournament out there and it is 2 and a half months away.

P Kashyap: Yes, I feel two and a half months is enough for preparation. Usually, during the offseason, players need about 4-6 weeks to prepare after a prolonged break. I feel two and a half months will allow us to get back to match fitness, but we have to realise that every player will have a different process. We can only figure out the exact timeline once we begin our training.

<img alt="Parupalli Kashyap" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="cf968e25-deba-44e6-be67-3d4ea9b51c1f" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_Hkg10201665.jpg" />

DSD: There has still been no word on the Olympic qualifiers, do you think the priority of the BWF should be to come out with an Olympic qualification schedule.

P Kashyap: Yes, that discussion is ongoing in the athletes' commission meetings. We thought that it would be ideal to first come out with a schedule, then unfreeze the rankings and then finally come out with an Olympic qualification schedule. One option could be to just the play the six tournaments that were left as part of original 2020 Olympic qualifiers, in the corresponding months next year. There is no clarity yet, but this should be addressed as soon as possible.

DSD: Even here in India lots of uncertainty about the restart, some of the guidelines that the sports authority or SAI have come up with do not seem reasonable at all, especially when you are dealing with elite sport.

P Kashyap: Yes it is difficult but certain compromises have to be made. I spoke to some European players and they are following strict health guidelines while playing. Players have been assigned time slots for their training and not more than two players are allowed to be on a single court. This can be taken as a template and we can tweak these rules for India. Badminton is a non-contact sport so training should be manageable. The onus is also on the authorities of the training centres to ensure that health guidelines are followed.

DSD: Do you think that because of these restrictions in place, the skill level of players will be affected?

P Kashyap: It will definitely have an effect on the skill levels, but something is better than nothing. So any sort of practice will be welcome at this point in time. The doubles players might have even more trouble because the current guidelines do not allow 4 players on the court. We follow a '1 vs 3' drill at times to sharpen our game and I understand that it won't be possible at the moment. So there will be restrictions for sure, but we just need something to work with. 
&nbsp;

Arjuna awardee and Commonwealth gold-medallist, Parupalli Kashyap, in an exclusive interview with WION's Sports Editor, Digvijay Singh Deo, spoke on issues ranging from life under lockdown, new BWF calendar, Tokyo Olympic qualifiers, SOPs issued by SAI, getting back to peak fitness and much more.

Arjuna awardee and Commonwealth gold-medallist, Parupalli Kashyap, in an exclusive interview with WION's Sports Editor, Digvijay Singh Deo, spoke on issues ranging from life under lockdown, new BWF calendar, Tokyo Olympic qualifiers, SOPs issued by SAI, getting back to peak fitness and much more. Digvijay Singh Deo: Kashyap, good to see you as always, must say it has been a long time... P Kashyap: Yes, it certainly has. I'm just hanging in there during the crisis. I've heard that training sessions have started all over the country, so just waiting for things to open up in Hyderabad. DSD: So how have the last 2 months been for you, one of the sportspersons I interviewed for this series likened the present situation to being like a caged animal... P Kashyap: Yes, I would say that is a nice way to put it. I have actually gone through different phases during this lockdown period. I injured my back in March and was initially very motivated to recover from that injury. So I was very disciplined with my physical training, doing two online sessions in a day. For about six weeks I stuck to that routine, but after that, the motivation levels naturally dropped and so did the intensity of my workout. It is difficult to keep up your physical fitness with no end goal in mind. Fortunately in the last ten days, I have been following some sort of fitness regime. DSD: Your wife Saina Nehwal and you haven't been able to be together as she decided to be with her elderly parents during the initial phase of the lockdown and no one expected this to go on for 2 months now and counting. P Kashyap: Yes, both of us thought it would be good for us to stay with our parents after coming back from All England Championships. A week after Saina and I returned to India, the lockdown was announced. So we haven't gotten the chance to see each other for the last two months. Some of the restrictions have been relaxed now, so we might be able to see each other later in the week. DSD: A lot of athletes around the world like yourself are you used to training day in day out, how difficult is it then for you to come to grips with the current situation. P Kashyap: Yes, it is extremely challenging for us athletes. I don't have access to the gym and have very limited training equipment at home, so it is difficult for me to do weight training as well. It is difficult to keep yourself motivated when you are not on the court every day. Even when we return to the court, it will have to be a slow process because it will take time for us to return to our peak fitness. Also for me personally, I'm not getting any younger, so I have to be very careful when I'm back out there. DSD: You and a lot of other players have been extremely vocal in the criticism of the new calendar put out by the BWF, why do you think it is such an issue for the players? P Kashyap: I was just looking to start a discussion among players on twitter regarding the new calendar. It's an extremely tight schedule, cramming 22 tournaments in 5 months. I'm not going to play each event, but even if I play 11-12 tournaments, the travel is going to be extremely hectic, given the current circumstances. The top ten players in the world might be able to skip some of the events, but players like me, who are ranked between 15-30, will look to play 300 & 500-level tour events a well, which means we will hardly get a week's rest between events. Another disadvantage for us Indians is that we haven't even started our badminton training, whereas players in china and Taipei have been practising for the last one and a half months. One of the main concerns we have is regarding the travel and quarantine laws of various countries. No clarity has been offered on the part of the BWF and we as players have no idea how long we will have to quarantine ourselves upon reaching a certain country. All of us want to get back to playing, but there needs to be more information provided to the players and it seems like the calendar has been prepared in haste. The first tournament on the tour is the Hyderabad open and the facilities haven't even opened up here, so it is difficult to believe that a tournament will be held in two months. DSD: At the moment, the BWF haven't offered any safeguards for the players, it seems like they have just put out a calendar without careful consideration, they have put out a disclaimer that they cannot guarantee that every tournament they have announced will take place. Isn't that rather strange? P Kashyap: Yes, there has to be a certain degree of clarity that has to be provided to the players. As of now, there have been no explanations or communication from the BWF since they put out the calendar. I am part of the athletes' commission, and I hope there will be some statement from the BWF soon on how they plan to hold the events and the measures they will take for the protection of the players. Right now, we haven't even started on-court training here in India, so it's difficult to think about participating in tournaments. DSD: Now you are part of the athletes' commission, the question is were players across the world consulted before this calendar was announced? P Kashyap: It doesn't seem like many players have any consulted. I would assume that the head of the athletes' commission would have been present at the meetings, but I cannot say for sure, hopefully, we will get an answer to all these questions soon. There needs to be a dialogue between the BWF and all the stakeholders of the sport. Every country is at a different stage of dealing with the coronavirus and that needs to be taken into consideration while planning the calendar. Players in China and south-east Asia have been training for the past one and half months, whereas we haven't even started, so it is not really a level playing field at the moment. I don't even know how international travel will even be possible in the current environment. I have asthma and I will certainly not feel comfortable travelling to another country until a vaccine is developed. DSD: Would you have been more comfortable had a full schedule been laid down right till the 2021 Olympics, the problem with the calendar is that there is too much up in the air, instead of anything concrete. P Kashyap: Absolutely, I understand this is a tough ask for the BWF, but we are dealing with an unprecedented crisis. I am sure they are trying to figure out the future plan, but I don't think releasing the schedule without a proper plan in place, was a good decision, it was amateurish. DSD: Right through the crisis, a lot of question have been asked of the BWF and as a major sport's governing body, they haven't really covered themselves in glory... P Kashyap: I'm not trying to pick a fight with the BWF, I think these are valid questions to raise during such a global health crisis. I hope they come up with the answers soon. DSD: Will you and Saina Nehwal be comfortable travelling to China in September for the China Open? P Kashyap: That seems highly unlikely right now. This is a conversation all of us Indian players had recently and I don't think anyone would feel safe travelling to China at the moment. It is not just a question of our individual health and safety, but also that of our family and loved ones. I don't mean to be disrespectful to China, but at the moment I just don't see anyone taking the risk of going there since we don't even know what the quarantine laws will be. The USA recently came out with a law that exempted foreign athletes from coronavirus-related entry bans and hopefully other countries will also announce similar laws. DSD: I was speaking to Sai Praneeth last week and he said considering this period of no activity it will take him close to 2 and half months to regain peak fitness and match sharpness. As it stands the Hyderabad open will be the first tournament out there and it is 2 and a half months away. P Kashyap: Yes, I feel two and a half months is enough for preparation. Usually, during the offseason, players need about 4-6 weeks to prepare after a prolonged break. I feel two and a half months will allow us to get back to match fitness, but we have to realise that every player will have a different process. We can only figure out the exact timeline once we begin our training. DSD: There has still been no word on the Olympic qualifiers, do you think the priority of the BWF should be to come out with an Olympic qualification schedule. P Kashyap: Yes, that discussion is ongoing in the athletes' commission meetings. We thought that it would be ideal to first come out with a schedule, then unfreeze the rankings and then finally come out with an Olympic qualification schedule. One option could be to just the play the six tournaments that were left as part of original 2020 Olympic qualifiers, in the corresponding months next year. There is no clarity yet, but this should be addressed as soon as possible. DSD: Even here in India lots of uncertainty about the restart, some of the guidelines that the sports authority or SAI have come up with do not seem reasonable at all, especially when you are dealing with elite sport. P Kashyap: Yes it is difficult but certain compromises have to be made. I spoke to some European players and they are following strict health guidelines while playing. Players have been assigned time slots for their training and not more than two players are allowed to be on a single court. This can be taken as a template and we can tweak these rules for India. Badminton is a non-contact sport so training should be manageable. The onus is also on the authorities of the training centres to ensure that health guidelines are followed. DSD: Do you think that because of these restrictions in place, the skill level of players will be affected? P Kashyap: It will definitely have an effect on the skill levels, but something is better than nothing. So any sort of practice will be welcome at this point in time. The doubles players might have even more trouble because the current guidelines do not allow 4 players on the court. We follow a '1 vs 3' drill at times to sharpen our game and I understand that it won't be possible at the moment. So there will be restrictions for sure, but we just need something to work with.

Kashyap: BWF releasing calendar without proper planning was amateurish

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